With federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits set to lapse amid the ongoing government shutdown, Farm Share is expanding food distribution operations to assist Floridians facing food insecurity.
Beginning November 1, the expiration of SNAP funding is expected to impact thousands of Florida households that rely on federal assistance for groceries. In response, Farm Share, the state’s largest independent food bank, is increasing deliveries of fresh produce and shelf-stable goods sourced from Florida farms to communities across all 67 counties.
“Every day, we meet community members who tell us they’ve run out of options,” said Stephen Shelley, CEO of Farm Share. “With SNAP benefits threatening to pause and food prices higher than ever, people are turning to food banks like never before. At the same time, Farm Share is coping with significant state budget cuts that have forced layoffs, warehouse closures, and fewer trucks on the road. But even with fewer resources, we remain committed to feeding Florida families who have nowhere else to turn.”
Farm Share has faced its own financial pressures this year following a 22 percent reduction in state funding, which the organization said removed more than 19 million pounds of food from Florida’s distribution network. The cuts resulted in layoffs, warehouse closures, and reduced trucking capacity, though operations have continued at a limited scale.
Founded in 1991, Farm Share collects surplus produce from farmers and redistributes it to residents in need.
