Unless emergency measures are taken to refund the programs, 42 million Americans may lose the SNAP benefits that help put food on their tables as of Saturday, Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal shutdown.
That includes 2.9 million in Florida who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s largest food aid program.
Funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, may also run out in days, even with a recent emergency cash infusion earlier this month. Both programs, and others funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program, school meals, and senior food boxes are running dry.
A last-minute ruling may help. After multiple nonprofits and mayors filed a federal lawsuit, U.S. District Judge John McConnell said at a hearing Oct. 31 he would block the administration from suspending benefits during the federal shutdown. Will benefits go out Saturday? It remains to be seen.
For those in need. food banks and local churches and charities are bracing for millions of hungry Americans in November, and grocery chains, restaurants and third-party delivery services are stepping up.
Here’s where you can get help.
Florida SNAP benefits help low-income families buy healthy food.
Where can I get food help in Florida?
There are several food assistance programs in Florida that can help.
Feeding Florida: A statewide network of local food banks that serves all 67 counties, part of Feeding America. 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
Local food banks: There are also community food banks that may be able to help, such as United Food Bank and Services in East Hillsborough County and the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Check your local listings.
However, be aware that food banks are also suffering a dramatically increased demand.
Freedge: A network of public refrigerators that allow communities to share food. There are currently 16 locations in Central and South Florida.
LifeNet4Families Community Cafe: The cafe in Lauderhill provides free meals daily.
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.
211 United Way: Heart of Florida United Way offers a free 211 Information & Referral Line, available 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.
SNAP ending Nov. 1: Brevard restaurants step up for SNAP recipients as shutdown jeopardizes food benefits
Winn-Dixie’s parent company donating $100,000 to food banks
Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie, on Oct. 31 announced it was donating $100,000 to Feeding America to help provide more than a million meals to families in need.
Customers at Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations can donate $1 or $5 or round up their bill at checkouts to help. SEG is also starting special offers, beginning Saturday, Nov. 1, to provide immediate relief:
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Affordable Family Meal Deal (Nov. 5–30): A hearty meal for $14.99 (regularly $26.45) for Rewards members.
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Free delivery and no service fees for SNAP recipients (Nov. 1–30): Via DoorDash, to help stretch grocery budgets.
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Local giving: Each Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket location will donate $500 in products or gift cards to a local hunger-relief group of their choice.
Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket parent company Southeastern Grocers, LLC and the SEG Gives Foundation is donating $100,000 to Feeding America.
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.
Instacart offering 50% off next grocery order
Grocery-delivery company Instacart said Friday, Oct. 31, that customers who receive SNAP benefits can get 50% off their next grocery order, which will be available even if SNAP benefits go out Nov. 1. Instacart also said the company is expanding the number of food banks it supports with food drives from 100 to 300.
Any customer who placed an order in October using a SNAP/EBT card is eligible, the company said.
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.
Free and discounted food at these restaurants
Some restaurants are trying to make sure people don’t go hungry. A growing number of local restaurants are offering meals, especially for kids, check around your local community. Some chains offering deals include:
If you’re a government employee working without pay during the shutdown, Pie Heaven in Atlantic Beach is offering free chicken pot pies.
How many Floridians get SNAP, WIC benefits?
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 May 2025, 428,605 Floridians received WIC benefits. Florida had the fourth-highest number of WIC participants in the country behind California, Texas and New York, according to USDA data.
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 Florida Times-Union: SNAP help offered with free or reduced food deals in Florida
