With SNAP benefits at risk, Mayor Welch announces $20,000 donation to the St. Pete Free Clinic

The funds donated come from the city’s Social Services Contingency funds and the Office of Community Impact funds.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The mayor of the City of St. Pete announced that the city is donating $20,000 to the St. Pete Free Clinic (SPFC) to help the organization continue supporting residents and federal employees impacted by the government shutdown.

The announcement was made on Thursday, as the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits remains at risk ahead of November.

“My administration is deeply concerned for residents that may lose access to food and federal employees working without pay during this time of economic uncertainty, especially with the suspension of SNAP benefits on November 1,” said Mayor Ken Welch.

“The donation made today will expand St. Pete Free Clinic’s existing services and can help feed an additional 3,200 clients throughout the month of November,” Welch added.

According to officials, the money for the donation comes from the city’s Social Services Contingency funds as well as the Office of Community Impact funds.

As the shutdown continues, residents in the Tampa Bay area have expressed concerns. 

Earlier Friday, two federal judges ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue to pay for SNAP using emergency reserve funds during the government shutdown, the Associated Press reports.

“St. Pete Free Clinic is grateful for Mayor Welch and the city’s support at this critical time,” said Jennifer Yeagley, CEO of St. Pete Free Clinic. “We have already seen an uptick in need over the past several weeks with the likely suspension of SNAP benefits on November 1. We expect need to continue to increase significantly.”

“We are expanding operations to better meet that need and sincerely appreciate this additional support in helping us ensure our neighbors are cared for at this uncertain time,” Yeagley said.

Through the SPFC’s “We Help FRESH Pantry” program, the organization provides food for an average of 30,000 individuals each month, according to officials.

Mayor Welch’s office also announced that the city is offering utility payment plans for federal government employees and impacted residents living in St. Pete. “Reach out to Utility Accounts Customer Service to set-up either a short-term payment extension or a long-term payment plan,” officials said.

If the shutdown impacted you, and you want to set up a utility payment plan, call 727-893-7341. Availability is Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

According to officials, the city will first review the information, assess if the applicant has been impacted and then offer extended payment options that may assist.