Miami-area organizations prepare for possible SNAP cuts
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South Florida organizations are stepping in to help residents who rely on SNAP benefits, which are set to expire this weekend as the government shutdown drags into another month.
Why it matters: About 1.6 million households in Florida — and more than 215,000 in Miami-Dade County — participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
- The Trump administration claimed it can't use contingency funds to pay for the program and wouldn't reimburse states that cover the costs.
The big picture: The program helps low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities buy groceries, and the loss of funding could leave more people hungry and uninsured, experts warn.
- Miami-Dade has the highest share in the country of households participating in the program where at least one member is over 60 years old, the Miami Herald reported.
The latest: On Wednesday, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced a Food Assistance Community Response initiative to address the looming impacts of the cuts.
- The website lists nearby food distribution sites and directs affected residents to call 211, which serves as a one-stop resource.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the mayor requested United Way Miami, Farm Share and Feeding South Florida to "activate emergency distribution operations" in a joint effort with the county to ensure residents can still access food.
What they're saying: Feeding South Florida, which has been supporting about 250 families of federal workers already impacted by the government shutdown, is ready to step in, CEO Paco Velez told WLRN.
- The community has "always stepped in" to help the organization meet increased demands, "regardless of whether it was a hurricane, a pandemic, a government shutdown or an economic crisis," he said.
- Following Levine Cava's directive, he told the outlet the organization is "always able to activate" and is asking for monetary donations.
Zoom in: Dunn's Overtown Farms said in a social media post that its Freedom Fridge Pantry is open 24/7, "no questions asked."
- Mutual Aid Hub is mapping locations where residents can access food. In Miami, the Roots Collective Fridge is located at 5505 NW Seventh Ave.
- The Mini Pantry Movement is also tracking locations, including one in Kendall.
- The Smile Trust, beginning Nov. 3 from 9:30am–11:30am, will offer free hot food, sandwich bags and grocery bags at the Freedom Lab and again on Wednesdays and Fridays.
What we're watching: Ahead of Saturday's deadline, local organizations were already seeing higher demand for food, particularly among older adults, multiple outlets reported.
Do you know of other organizations preparing to support SNAP recipients? Please let us know.
Editor's note: This story was updated to add details about Miami-Dade's Food Assistance Community Response initiative.