Fort Myers families fear Thanksgiving without SNAP benefits amid shutdown | Lee County

As the government shutdown continues, millions of Floridians face uncertainty regarding their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned that if the government does not reopen by Nov. 1, these benefits will be withheld, leaving families in a precarious position.

Lurain Haworth, a Floridian relying on SNAP benefits, expressed her concern about the situation.

“I come here to make sure my kid eats,” said Haworth.

Haworth is among the three million Floridians dependent on federal food assistance, which is currently frozen due to the shutdown.

“Especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas with the big foods and everything, and it’s just extremely harder,” said Haworth.

Cheyenne Haworth, another Floridian on SNAP benefits, shared the impact on her family.

“My son is lactose intolerant. I use SNAP benefits to purchase milk for my son. I don’t know what I’m going to do for his milk,” said Cheyenne Haworth.

Local food pantries, such as Community Cooperative in Fort Myers, are feeling the strain as they work overtime to keep their shelves stocked amid the rising demand.

“With the increased demand, we are having to rely on the community way more than we ever have before for food drives, financial donations,” said Stephanie Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank distributes food to 175 organizations across Southwest Florida; however, the gap in funding without federal assistance remains significant.

“The SNAP program is roughly four times as much food in southwest Florida as the Harry Chapin Food Bank distributes in a year,” said Richard Leber, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank.

“We can try to respond to demand and help people as best we can. But people shouldn’t be under any illusion that we’re going to be able just to snap our fingers and fill this gap,” said Leber.

As the holidays approach, the pressure on food assistance programs is only increasing.

“It’s hard enough to keep food on the table in July when prices are high, let alone when you’re looking to do extra things like a Thanksgiving meal or a holiday meal,” said Edwards.

The USDA reiterated that if the government does not reopen by Nov. 1, SNAP benefits will not be distributed. Many families relying on local pantries fear there may not be a Thanksgiving dinner this year.

For many families, this Thanksgiving may look different, but they are holding on to the hope that the government will reopen soon.