If you’re one of the nearly 3 million Floridians who rely on what used to be called food stamps to provide or supplement your food budget, that help is stopping as of Nov. 1 as the government shutdown continues and funding runs dry.
Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in October was already covered when the shutdown began, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the program, has said there are no further funds available. The USDA’s shutdown contingency plan describes a reserve of contingency funds for such interruptions, but President Donald Trump’s administration has said that reserves aren’t enough and won’t be tapped to fund November benefits. Attorneys general and governors from 25 Democrat-led states have sued the USDA to force SNAP funding.
That will affect the 42 million Americans (about 12% of the population) currently receiving SNAP benefits, including 2.9 million in Florida. The program is funded by the federal government but administered by each state.The program is funded by the federal government but administered by each state.
“If the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for the month of November will not be issued until federal funding is restored,” an alert on Florida’s SNAP website says. “You may receive notices about your eligible benefit amount, but you will not receive any benefits deposited to your EBT card during this time.”
Here’s what to know, and how to get help.
What is SNAP, the former food stamp program?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes to help them buy nutritious food.
It grew out of the nearly century-old national food stamp program and was renamed in the 2008 farm bill. SNAP is part of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Florida SNAP benefits help low-income families buy healthy food.
Where can I get food help in Florida?
Ther are several food assistance programs in Florida that can help.
Feeding Florida: A statewide network of local food banks that serves all 67 counties. Feeding Florida offers a searchable map to help you locate a food bank near you, such as:
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Second Harvest of the Big Bend: Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla
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Feeding Northeast Florida: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Union
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Feeding Tampa Bay: Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sumter
211 United Way: Heart of Florida United Way offers a free 211 Information & Referral Line, avai;able 24/7/365, where someone can help you find resources in your area. You can also search their site for local food and meal resources.
Local churches: Many churches hold food drives to help their community, check near you. The Catholic Churches of Central Florida also offers mobile food drops, you can request assistance here.
However, be aware that food banks are also suffering a dramatically increased demand.
Some local groceries, restaurants and third-party companies are also offering sales and deals to help.
SNAP ending Nov. 1: Brevard restaurants step up for SNAP recipients as shutdown jeopardizes food benefits
DoorDash delivery fees waived for SNAP recipients
SNAP recipients nationwide can use DoorDash without paying extra delivery or service fees on one order in November from selected stores, the company announced on Oct. 26.
Many of the selected chains are only available in northwestern or Midwest states, but the list also include Sprouts, Dollar General and Stop & Shop.
You must a valid SNAP/EBT card to your DoorDash account before you make your purchase.
DoorDash also announced it will be donating food from DashMart stores to local food banks.
SNAP recipients can get $50 off groceries through Gopuff
The grocery delivery company Gopuff is offering $50 off groceries for SNAP recipients in the metro areas they service. The deal is available in two waves throughout November, $25 each, for use on SNAP-eligible items. To use it:
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Add a SNAP EBT card to your Gopuff account.
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Add SNAP-eligible groceries to cart.
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From Nov. 1-15: Use code SNAPRELIEF1 at checkout for $25 off SNAP-eligible items and free delivery.
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From Nov. 16-30: Use code SNAPRELIEF2 at checkout for $25 off SNAP-eligible items and free delivery.
Will Florida cover SNAP benefits for residents?
All 43 Democrats in the Florida legislature have called on Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency and use state money to cover Floridian SNAP benefits, pointing at his requent use of emergency powers to fund immigration enforcement.
DeSantis has not responded but said later that Democratic lawmakers should pressure U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, to vote to end the shutdown.
How much money do SNAP recipients get?
In fiscal year 2025, the average monthly benefit per person in the SNAP program was $190.59, per USDA (about $6 a day). For households, the average monthly benefit was $356.41 in total.
However, the exact amount of money that each SNAP recipient gets per month depends on their income and household size, so it varies per person.
How many people are on SNAP benefits?
More than 42 million people across more than 22 million households relied on SNAP benefits every month during fiscal year 2025, according to the USDA. Children accounted for about 39% of the people who received the benefits, according to the USDA’s report on fiscal year 2023, its latest annual data.
About 2.98 million Floridians received SNAP during fiscal year 2024, about 12.7% of the state’s population. The national average is 12.3%.
In 2023, 55% of SNAP households with children included someone employed (28% of the total) and 61% also received some other form of assistance such as Social Security.
How does SNAP work?
Once you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, you receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT), a physical, reloadable card like a debit card that can be used at participating retailers to buy approved items or to withdraw cash at specified locations.
Monthly benefits appear on the card’s balance. Sales tax cannot be charged on items you buy with an EBT card.
SNAP eligibility is based on income, resources, and the size of your household.
Requirements for SNAP benefits became more restrictive since the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 expanded the 80-hour-a-month work requirement for SNAP by increasing the age limit on able-bodied adults without dependents from 49 to 54.
The Florida Department of Children and Families expanded its own definition to include adults up through 59 years old and increased the mandatory employment and training program (SNAP E&T) from 80 hours every month to 120.
Florida Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card.
Can I still use the balance on my EBT card during the shutdown?
Yes, you still can use your existing SNAP benefits, which roll over every month if not used. You can check your EBT card’s balance at ebtEDGE.com or by calling 888-356-3281.
Contributing: Gray Rohrer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: SNAP benefits may end in November. How to get food help in Florida
