FLORIDA – Millions of low-income Floridians, including veterans, seniors, and families with children, could see November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits delayed if the ongoing federal government shutdown continues. Florida Democrats are urging Governor Ron DeSantis to take action to prevent widespread food insecurity.
“Nearly 3 million Floridians who rely on SNAP benefits are at risk of going hungry on November 1, including 1.5 million children,” said Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried. She criticized DeSantis for prioritizing other projects, including the controversial Everglades immigrant detention camp known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” over the basic needs of families.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) warns that if the shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits will not be issued until federal funding is restored, though new applications will continue to be processed.
State Democrats say Florida can step in:
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Rep. Anna Eskamani suggested the governor could declare a state of emergency on hunger and allocate emergency funds to cover the federal funding gap.
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Rep. Maxwell Frost urged DeSantis and state lawmakers to convene a special legislative session to fund SNAP benefits for Florida families if federal aid remains unavailable.
SNAP provides a critical lifeline for households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level, helping families afford food amid rising costs. Advocates warn that delays could force families into impossible decisions—such as paying rent or buying groceries—and put those already experiencing homelessness in a “precarious position.”
Organizations like Second Harvest highlight the potential impact, noting that one in seven Central Floridians is food insecure, and one in six of those affected are children. The nonprofit has prepared to source additional food but stressed that delays in SNAP payments could exacerbate hunger across the state.
While October benefits remain unaffected, the looming November delay underscores the stakes for 2.8 million Floridians reliant on SNAP, amid the federal government’s ongoing shutdown—the second-longest in U.S. history.
The Governor’s office and Florida DCF have not commented on whether emergency state funding will be requested or allocated to mitigate the potential SNAP disruption.
Congressional Democrats continue to push for federal action to prevent disruptions in both SNAP and healthcare subsidies, warning of steep increases in costs for millions of Americans if the shutdown persists.
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