As the federal government shutdown surpasses 40 days, anxiety and uncertainty persist for millions of families, including military service members, federal employees, and contractors who are missing paychecks. Additionally, SNAP recipients are seeking help keeping food on their tables while benefits are paused.
Over half a million Central Floridians receive SNAP benefits each month to help purchase food, milk, and other essential items. Across Florida, nearly 3 million people count on this support to keep food on the table.
Across Central Florida, the need for food assistance is already sky-high. Families, seniors, and veterans are at a tipping point. Many describe making impossible choices and using food to balance their monthly budgets. The shutdown has disrupted financial stability and expanded the gap between need and available food resources.
At Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, our message is simple: we’re here to help. If you or someone you know is affected, visit the Food Finder to find food assistance through our network of more than 870 feeding partners across seven Central Florida counties.
Understanding the shutdown's impact
Is Second Harvest affected by the shutdown?
There are no immediate impacts at this time. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides about 25% of our annual food supply, continues to operate, and orders continue to arrive as scheduled.
However, this stability may be temporary. It remains unclear how long federal and state funding for TEFAP will continue if the shutdown persists. Second Harvest is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential disruptions.
What could happen if the shutdown continues?
Federal civilian employees, active duty military, reservists and other individuals on the military pay schedule are working without pay. One missed paycheck can make it difficult for families in our community to pay for rent, groceries, gas, and other essentials. Second Harvest and our feeding partners are already responding to individuals and families impacted by the shutdown through regular food distributions.
What about programs like SNAP and WIC?
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits have been paused.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits remain available for now due to temporary funding that has been made available.
Food banks like Second Harvest – while incredibly effective – cannot replace the scale of federal programs like SNAP or WIC. For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides 9.
How is Second Harvest preparing?
As Central Florida’s emergency food supply, Second Harvest and its partner network stand ready to respond. Coordination efforts continue to ensure that food remains available for anyone needing food assistance.
In times of uncertainty, community matters most. Please share this message with friends, coworkers, or neighbors who may need support.
