Skipper’s Smokehouse post // Credit Skipper’s Smokehouse Facebook
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Local restaurants are preparing to help those affected by the loss of federal food assistance come Saturday.
Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa will let kids eat free all day starting Sunday until SNAP Benefits are restored.
In addition, the restaurant and concert venue has partnered with Feeding Tampa Bay to collect donations of food.
Nicole Pinion Miller is the senior director for financial security at United Way Suncoast.
She says about 150 thousand households in our region will be impacted by the loss of SNAP
“If you have the resources to give up your time, a few hours at a food pantry or a local organization can make a big difference at this time.” Miller said.
She encourages those feeling the impacts of the shutdown to call 2-1-1.
“211 is a resource that has trained specialists who can help you find everything from food assistance to housing and utility assistance, and any other type of needs.” Miller said.
In Safety Harbor, the restaurant Gigglewaters is providing free bagged to-go lunches starting Saturday until SNAP benefits are restored.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch announced Thursday that the city is donating $20,000 to the St. Pete Free Clinic to bolster that organization’s food efforts supporting residents and federal employees impacted by the federal government shutdown.
In addition to the donation, St. Pete is also offering utility payment plans to federal government employees and other impacted residents.
See community resources from United Way Suncoast during the government shutdown here.