Feeding Tampa President and CEO Thomas Mantz, Congress member Kathy Castor at Feeding Tampa Bay // Chris Young, WMNF News, 11/3/2025
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According to Feeding Tampa Bay, roughly 500,000 people across the 10-county region they serve have been affected by cuts to SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.
Officialss gathered at their warehouse in Tampa to discuss the government shutdown.
CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, Thomas Mantz, said that for every meal Feeding Tampa Bay provides, SNAP provides nine.
“When something like this happens, it puts extraordinary pressure on our neighbors, it puts extraordinary pressure on our community, and organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay.” Mantz said.
The organization has expanded operations to help those affected by food stamp cuts and furloughed government employees.
Democratic Congress member Kathy Castor said she had never seen a shutdown like this in her time in Washington – and blamed Republicans.
“And it is so unnecessary and maddening – if they would come to the table, there are pathways forward,” Castor said.
Republicans refuse Democrats’ calls to extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act.
Linda Misner is a Tampa resident and business owner.
She said she got a notification that her insurance premiums are going up by almost $3,000 a month, for a plan she normally pays about $300 a month for.
“For the first time in our lives, we will go without health insurance. We will be part of the uninsured in Florida, which just blows my mind, honestly.” Misner said.
Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor called the shutdown unnecessary and maddening.
For a list of food and resources during the shutdown, click here.