JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding still up in the air during the federal government shutdown, local organizations are working to bridge the gap.
The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic made a $100,000 gift to the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) to combat food insecurity in Jacksonville.
“It’s an honor to receive the gift,” Chloe Kuhn, RAM director, said. “We were able to soft-launch this program on Saturday, where we supported 57 families. We can only imagine what this $100,000 generous gift is going to be able to support this coming Saturday and the Saturdays beyond.”
The law firm gave an additional $80,000 to fund a newly enacted program by the Riverside Avondale Preservation that offers RAM shoppers $40 in special tokens that can be redeemed just like cash at any RAM vendor.
The law firm initially donated $20,000 that supported the program’s launch on Saturday, but due to the overwhelming response, Pajcic & Pajcic issued an additional $80,000 gift.
The program is a standalone initiative that is not solely for SNAP recipients. Anyone needing assistance during the government shutdown can take advantage.
“The government is failing all of us,” Seth Pajcic said. “We’re all in this together. One person going hungry affects everybody. Hopefully, this can spur other people to continue to step in.”
Mayor Donna Deegan noted that 160,000 people in Jacksonville rely on SNAP benefits.
“I just can’t tell you what that will do for the people of this city who are hurting,” she said. “This will go a long way toward helping so many people.”
RELATED: City, community partners launch Duval Care Coalition in response to SNAP delays
In a statement, Riverside Avondale Preservation said:
“As the federal government shutdown continues and details surrounding its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are changing day to day, The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic has pledged a significant gift to Riverside Arts Market (RAM) to ensure SNAP recipients and all those facing food insecurity are still able to put healthy, sustaining food on their tables.”
Councilman Jimmy Peluso applauded the law firm’s efforts to support the community in a time of need.
“You’re stepping up to do the right thing,” Peluso said. “Corporate and business stewardship is something that we need more than ever right now.
On Friday, RAM shared on its website saying, “Beginning [Saturday], anyone experiencing food insecurity related to the shutdown can visit the RAM Information Booth (next to Farmer’s Row) to receive $40 in RAM Tokens each market day.”
Click HERE for more on how to get involved.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.