Overview
- The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service said eligible recipients will not receive SNAP EBT credits on November 1 because of the federal funding lapse.
- Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said about 175,000 county residents rely on SNAP for groceries.
- The county has allocated $5.3 million to Second Harvest Food Bank, and Demings plans to seek an additional $1 million in emergency aid and has asked Gov. Ron DeSantis for state relief.
- Second Harvest said SNAP supplies far more meals than food banks and that it cannot fill the expected gap by Saturday, urging donations and partner distribution support.
- Nonprofits reported rising requests for help, with United Way’s 211 logging more than 1,600 food referrals in 90 days, and community groups were urged to organize food drives.