All 43 Democratic state legislators in Florida are urging Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency as nearly three million residents risk losing access to SNAP food assistance benefits when federal funding expires Saturday due to the ongoing government shutdown.
In an Oct. 28 letter, the lawmakers called on DeSantis to “declare a State of Emergency on Food Insecurity” to unlock state resources that could help agencies secure additional food and funding and expand school meal programs until SNAP benefits resume.
“Under Section 252.36 of the Florida Statutes, the Governor has clear authority to declare a State of Emergency when ‘the occurrence or threat thereof is imminent.’ Hunger is both,” the letter states.
The legislators warned that losing this critical support would be devastating for families already burdened by record food and housing costs. “Local food banks and pantries have already reported overwhelming demand and depleted supplies,” they wrote, adding that food insecurity is worsening for federal employees and military families amid the shutdown.
“We are days away from a full-blown hunger emergency that will leave families without food during the holiday season. The state cannot stand by,” the letter continues. “No child should go hungry because politicians in Washington can’t agree.”
DeSantis’ office did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment. When asked about the letter during an unrelated press conference at the University of South Florida, the governor said, “Did those Democrats write a letter to Chuck Schumer asking him to stop filibustering the spending?” referring to the Democratic Senate minority leader.
Since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have been locked in a stalemate with Senate Majority Leader Tom Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
According to the USDA, which funds the state-administered SNAP program, nearly 42 million Americans received benefits as of May 2025. Florida ranks fourth nationally, with more than 2.9 million recipients, behind California, Texas, and New York.
The Senate has held 13 unsuccessful votes to reopen the government, the latest on Tuesday. Democrats have refused to support a short-term funding bill that doesn’t extend Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire Dec. 31, while Republicans insist Democrats must first vote to reopen the government.
On Tuesday, 25 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the impending loss of SNAP benefits during what has become the second-longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.
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