While the government shutdown has ended, approximately 3 million Floridians are still waiting for their SNAP benefits to be restored, leaving many families in need of assistance.Ever since the shutdown, seats at the Community Cooperative have been filled with people seeking meals, and volunteers have played a crucial role in supporting them. Just because the government shutdown ended doesn’t mean there still won’t be a need.Quanita Condry, a single mother from Fort Myers, is among those waiting for her SNAP benefits. “I’m not able to actually provide food for my kids for the end of the month,” Condry said. She expressed her concerns about feeding her children during the shutdown, saying, “When the government shutdown happened, it sent me into a panic. How am I going to be able to feed the kids? Do I have enough food for this month?”Robert McMair, also from Fort Myers, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “The sooner the better! Immediately! ASAP! This is urgent!” he said. McMair is running out of options when it comes to getting food. “It’s been a struggle to rely on family that can help because they have been impacted as well,” he said.Stefani Ink-Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative, highlighted the organization’s efforts to keep its shelves stocked. “We had to go out and spend thousands and thousands of dollars to make sure we could keep our shelves full,” she said. Ink-Edwards noted that the need for assistance will continue even after SNAP benefits are restored. “Just because the SNAP benefits are going to be relieved, it doesn’t mean we’re going to not be in business tomorrow,” she said.Families like Condry’s are holding out hope for better days. “It will all be better for everyone,” Condry said.While some states have started distributing SNAP benefits, Florida’s Department of Children and Families is still waiting for federal direction. DCF has indicated that benefits could be distributed as soon as Friday or as late as Monday.As the holidays approach, the Community Cooperative is seeking turkey donations to meet the increased demand.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
While the government shutdown has ended, approximately 3 million Floridians are still waiting for their SNAP benefits to be restored, leaving many families in need of assistance.
Ever since the shutdown, seats at the Community Cooperative have been filled with people seeking meals, and volunteers have played a crucial role in supporting them. Just because the government shutdown ended doesn’t mean there still won’t be a need.
Quanita Condry, a single mother from Fort Myers, is among those waiting for her SNAP benefits. “I’m not able to actually provide food for my kids for the end of the month,” Condry said. She expressed her concerns about feeding her children during the shutdown, saying, “When the government shutdown happened, it sent me into a panic. How am I going to be able to feed the kids? Do I have enough food for this month?”
Robert McMair, also from Fort Myers, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “The sooner the better! Immediately! ASAP! This is urgent!” he said. McMair is running out of options when it comes to getting food. “It’s been a struggle to rely on family that can help because they have been impacted as well,” he said.
Stefani Ink-Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative, highlighted the organization’s efforts to keep its shelves stocked. “We had to go out and spend thousands and thousands of dollars to make sure we could keep our shelves full,” she said. Ink-Edwards noted that the need for assistance will continue even after SNAP benefits are restored. “Just because the SNAP benefits are going to be relieved, it doesn’t mean we’re going to not be in business tomorrow,” she said.
Families like Condry’s are holding out hope for better days. “It will all be better for everyone,” Condry said.
While some states have started distributing SNAP benefits, Florida’s Department of Children and Families is still waiting for federal direction. DCF has indicated that benefits could be distributed as soon as Friday or as late as Monday.
As the holidays approach, the Community Cooperative is seeking turkey donations to meet the increased demand.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.