JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1 is now rippling into the lives of millions of Americans as food assistance programs are threatened. On Friday, Florida and Georgia both warned that SNAP benefits will not be available beginning Nov. 1 if the shutdown continues.
At Jacksonville’s Max Block Food Pantry, operated by The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS), staff say they’ve already seen demand spike since the shutdown began — and the lines keep growing longer every week.
“Our community needs us right now,” said Marilyn Darius, the pantry’s financial assistance and food pantry manager. “These are holiday numbers that we normally see — and it’s before the holidays.”…