As the government shutdown continues, federal employees are working without paychecks, and starting Nov. 1, federal SNAP benefits will not be available.<\/p>\n
If you or someone you know needs help with food donations, check out these websites to find programs near you.<\/p>\n
[WATCH: Orlando residents, community advocates prepare for possible SNAP gap]<\/p>\n
Second Harvest has a Food Locator on its website<\/a> to help find food pantries, distribution events, and other programs. The database lists programs in Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.<\/p>\n The programs listed on the Food Finder operate independently, so some may take appointments or have specific requirements to qualify for help. Some can also provide emergency help. Much of that information is listed on the Second Harvest website.<\/p>\n Another organization to contact is United Against Poverty<\/a>, which offers help with food through its Member Share Grocery Program. They can also help with employment needs and crisis care. UAP has a campus on Michigan Street in Orlando.<\/p>\n For people in Flagler County, Feeding Northeast Florida distributes food to partner pantries and other programs in the area. You can find a food pantry through that website.<\/a><\/p>\n For people in Polk and Sumter counties, Feeding Tampa Bay, which oversees that area, has a Find a Pantry database<\/a> and a calendar for other food events on its website.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also Farm Share, a nonprofit that works with Florida farmers to distribute food at events throughout the state.<\/p>\n Check the monthly calendar on the Farm Share website<\/a> for upcoming events.<\/p>\n You can also dial 2-1-1 to be connected with organizations that may be able to help with food and other types of assistance. Learn more at the Florida 211 website.<\/a> This service is not available in Marion County.<\/p>\n Another website to check is Findhelp.org<\/a>, a directory for organizations that you can search using your ZIP code.<\/p>\n