News Summary
As the federal government shutdown continues, Florida families are facing significant delays in their SNAP benefits, raising concerns over food security. Residents like Carina Patterson are left in limbo, awaiting assistance while grappling with rising food prices and high living costs. Organizations providing food aid are also impacted, with funding challenges complicating efforts to support those in need. The situation has prompted calls for action from state leaders amid fears that many vulnerable households may suffer if the government funding crisis persists.
Orlando, Florida — Florida families are experiencing significant delays in their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits as the ongoing federal government shutdown continues, raising concerns about food security for many vulnerable households. The shutdown has halted vital food assistance programs, leaving millions in a precarious situation.
Carina Patterson, who applied for SNAP benefits last month, is one of the many residents affected. Her application is currently pending, and she has not received any notifications or her ACCESS card, despite having Medicaid coverage for herself and her children. Patterson, who pays $2,500 in rent each month and supports three children, is anxious about providing adequate nutrition for her family. If the government shutdown persists, Patterson and others may face further delays in receiving benefits scheduled for November 1st, even if they are approved for assistance.
With the price of food on the rise, Patterson is contemplating taking a second job to make ends meet while also relying on local food banks like United Against Poverty. Anjali Vaya, the executive director of United Against Poverty, indicated that their organization is facing challenges due to $300,000 in funding that is currently inaccessible due to the shutdown, impacting food assistance programs across Florida.
Concerns about food security extend beyond recent applicants. Patricia Lewis, a long-time SNAP recipient, warned that the absence of food assistance could lead many economically strained individuals to desperate measures. The Florida Department of Children and Families has issued a statement cautioning that if the federal shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits will not be distributed until government funding is restored.
While current SNAP beneficiaries will receive notifications about their eligible benefit amount during the shutdown, no funds will be deposited into their EBT cards. New applications for SNAP are still being processed, but applicants are advised against reapplying, as this could further complicate the process.
Fortunately, Florida Medicaid and Temporary Cash Assistance programs are not currently impacted by the shutdown. However, the ongoing situation has raised alarms among state legislators. Some Florida state legislators have contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture to request the activation of SNAP’s contingency reserve, but the USDA has declined to utilize those funds.
Organizations providing food assistance, such as Second Harvest, have implemented food locator tools on their websites to help individuals find local support amid these challenges. In Central Florida alone, approximately one in seven individuals is food insecure, and the potential halt of SNAP benefits threatens to intensify hardships for many families, particularly children.
The crisis has prompted calls for action from state leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis, with suggestions for utilizing state funds to bridge the federal funding gap created by the shutdown. SNAP benefits, which serve around 2.8 million Floridians—many of whom are children—are critical for ensuring access to food.
In light of these circumstances, congressional representatives like Maxwell Frost have urged state leaders to convene special legislative sessions with the aim of finding solutions for funding SNAP amid the ongoing shutdown. The current federal government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, following Congress’s inability to reach an agreement on funding legislation.
The situation remains fluid as families like Patterson’s face uncertainty regarding their access to essential food resources, highlighting the pressing need for a resolution to the federal government shutdown and securing the necessary funding for essential assistance programs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Food Assistance Organizations in Central Florida Prepare for Increased Demand Amid Government Shutdown
Impact of Federal Shutdown on Food Assistance in Central Florida
Florida Faces Major Healthcare Changes Amid New Legislation
California Named Most Fun State in 2025 Rankings
Florida Joins SNAP Initiative to Promote Healthier Eating
UCF Welcomes New Football Talent Sincere Edwards
Florida Faces Rising Food Assistance Demands Amid Inflation
Congressman Confronted by Hostile Crowd at Town Hall
Trump Signs Landmark Tax and Spending Bill Amid Mixed Reactions
Orlando Hosts Food Justice Poetry Slam with Cash Prizes
Additional Resources
- Fox 35 Orlando: No Florida SNAP Benefits in November
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Click Orlando: SNAP Delays Loom for Florida Families
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
- My News 13: Financial Planner Offers Advice to Federal Workers
- Google Search: Government Shutdown Impact on Food Assistance
- Orlando Weekly: Florida Dems Urge State to Act on SNAP Delays
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
