ORLANDO, Fla. — November is here, and millions of Americans still haven’t received their SNAP benefits because of the ongoing government shutdown. That could soon change after a new court ruling.
What You Need To Know
Federal judges ruled the Trump administration must use contingency funds to keep SNAP running for November
United Against Poverty reports surging demand and empty shelves
Heart of Florida United Way says calls for food and rent help have doubled
Local groups continue providing support while SNAP payments remain delayed
A pair of federal judges ruled Friday that the Trump administration is required to use contingency funds to keep the program running — at least temporarily for the month of November.
That means some benefits could still be delayed, but it offers the potential for relief to the millions who depend on the program each month.
“The whole thing is just heartbreaking that we’re finding these individuals that are working and trying to make their ends meet,” said Anjali Vaya, Executive Director of United Against Poverty.
Vaya says they’re seeing the need firsthand. Their Member Share Grocery Program saw an increase in individuals last week. This program serves families and individuals who fall at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
“Demand is so high right now, and our shelves are emptying out,” Vaya said.
She says that on Saturday alone, they sponsored more than 30 families to get groceries and plan to help more — but the group need the community’s support to do so.
“We are doing it to a certain point from United Against Poverty’s budget for November and December as well because these are our clients and they are suffering,” Vaya said.
Organizations like Heart of Florida United Way have been tracking local needs through their 2-1-1 hotline, which connects people with food, rent, and utility assistance.
“It is that simple three-digit number that anyone can call or text, or chat online to get resources,” said Kelly Astro, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for Heart of Florida United Way.
Astro says one in three families in Florida lives just one paycheck away from disaster — and calls related to the shutdown have doubled in the last week.
“Over the last week, we have seen the number of calls related to the government shutdown double,” Astro said.
With this new ruling, organizations say they’ll keep providing support to help families stay afloat until SNAP payments resume.
Anyone needing assistance can contact both Heart of Florida United Way and United Against Poverty Orlando.