Day 13 of the government shutdown brings continued uncertainty for millions of families, including military service members, federal employees, and contractors who may soon miss paychecks.
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.
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, right now. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides about 25% of our annual food supply, continues to operate and orders are expected 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?
Many federal and military families could miss paychecks as soon as October 15. One missed paycheck can make it difficult for families in our community to afford groceries, gas, and other essentials. Second Harvest and our feeding partners are prepared to respond if that happens.
What about programs like SNAP and WIC?
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits should continue as normal through October.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits remain available for now, but funding could be affected within the next two weeks if the shutdown continues, leading to possible delays or service disruptions.
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 during this time.
In times of uncertainty, community matters most. Please share this message with friends, coworkers, or neighbors who may need support.
