SNAP cuts leave Florida families struggling as shutdown drags on

Uncertainty looms for thousands of Florida families after the Trump administration announced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will receive only half of their usual monthly benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.A federal judge ordered the administration to release emergency funding for food aid, but advocates say the partial payments fall far short of what families need.“It’s why our plea to the governor is just so urgent,” said Jen Hall, a resident who relies on SNAP benefits. “Because there’s not really another option. People will starve.”Hall, a widow living with a permanent disability, said her freezer is nearly empty and fears what the coming weeks will bring.Several organizations, including the Immigrants Are Welcome Here Coalition, are urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency and release state funds to fill the gap. DeSantis acknowledged the calls Monday, but blamed Democrats for the shutdown, saying the state cannot easily create its own SNAP program.“He’s the leader of Florida and Florida families will go hungry if they don’t get the SNAP benefits,” said U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando. “If the federal government is only going to do half, what are you going to do to fill the other half?”Local food banks say they are already feeling the strain.“I think we’re critical right now,” said Derrick Chubbs, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “For every one meal that we produce, SNAP produces nine. That is a very significant gap that we are trying to fill.”The Christian Service Center for the Homeless in Orlando reports a surge in calls for food assistance.“We’re getting calls in a way that we would if a hurricane is two days out,” said Executive Director Eric Gray. “People are starting to get a little panicky and wondering where they’re going to get food next week or the week after.”Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said the state is coordinating with farmers to help keep food banks stocked.Second Harvest reported that its online food finder tool received more than 10,000 inquiries last week — more than triple its usual weekly volume. The organization is calling for donations and volunteers as demand continues to rise.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

Uncertainty looms for thousands of Florida families after the Trump administration announced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will receive only half of their usual monthly benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

A federal judge ordered the administration to release emergency funding for food aid, but advocates say the partial payments fall far short of what families need.

“It’s why our plea to the governor is just so urgent,” said Jen Hall, a resident who relies on SNAP benefits. “Because there’s not really another option. People will starve.”

Hall, a widow living with a permanent disability, said her freezer is nearly empty and fears what the coming weeks will bring.

Several organizations, including the Immigrants Are Welcome Here Coalition, are urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency and release state funds to fill the gap. DeSantis acknowledged the calls Monday, but blamed Democrats for the shutdown, saying the state cannot easily create its own SNAP program.

“He’s the leader of Florida and Florida families will go hungry if they don’t get the SNAP benefits,” said U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando. “If the federal government is only going to do half, what are you going to do to fill the other half?”

Local food banks say they are already feeling the strain.

“I think we’re critical right now,” said Derrick Chubbs, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “For every one meal that we produce, SNAP produces nine. That is a very significant gap that we are trying to fill.”

The Christian Service Center for the Homeless in Orlando reports a surge in calls for food assistance.

“We’re getting calls in a way that we would if a hurricane is two days out,” said Executive Director Eric Gray. “People are starting to get a little panicky and wondering where they’re going to get food next week or the week after.”

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said the state is coordinating with farmers to help keep food banks stocked.

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Our Feeding Florida program is stepping in to serve Floridians in need while the Schumer Shutdown leaves families struggling to put food on the table. We established the Feeding Florida program with $38 million last year to work with our farmers to keep our food banks stocked… pic.twitter.com/5azN3FI7eh

— Wilton Simpson (@WiltonSimpson) November 2, 2025

Second Harvest reported that its online food finder tool received more than 10,000 inquiries last week — more than triple its usual weekly volume. The organization is calling for donations and volunteers as demand continues to rise.