Mayor Jerry Demings warned that 175,000 Orange County residents who receive food assistance through SNAP will lose their benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Orange County is seeking alternative measures to fight hunger in Central Florida with the recent SNAP benefits suspension.
“This looming crisis will have a profound impact on our community,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said. “I am urging our local businesses, corporations, churches, and residents to join me in supporting our neighbors in need during this difficult time. No one should go hungry on our watch.”
That statement should be especially true considering how much tourists spend to travel to Orange County and Orlando to have fun at the theme parks. The economic disparity of the local community is glaring when looking at profits and revenues of Universal Orlando Resort (just look at the price for Express Passes to skip the lines at the new Universal Epic Universe) and Walt Disney World theme parks. While those companies, and others in Central Florida, are making big bucks, local residents can’t even afford food without government assistance and food stamps.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, a Democrat, joined representatives from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Heart of Florida United Way, and the Christian Service Center for the Homeless to address the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits resulting from the federal government shutdown, and find ways to help residents from going hungry. Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson, Orange County District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, Director of Advocacy & Government Relations for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Stephanie Palacios, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for Heart of Florida United Way Kelly Astro, and Executive Director of the Christian Service Center for the Homeless Eric Gray joined Mayor Demings.
With no November distribution planned, this freeze will negatively impact many families, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and children in the community as approximately 175,000 Orange County residents rely on SNAP benefits for much-needed food assistance.
Mayor Demings outlined three ways Orange County Government would support residents during the shutdown:
- Send letter to Republican Governor Ron DeSantis requesting that the state work in coordination with local governments to access state emergency funds to support Florida residents. Read the Mayor’s letter to the Governor below.
- Ask the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to review the current budget to identify available funds that could be redirected to assist needy residents.
- Outreach to residents and businesses to donate or hold food drives.
Some alternative community resources are available to residents who need assistance:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
- Food Locator: Find food through partners in Brevard County, Lake County, Marion County, Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, and Volusia County.
- Make A Donation: Every $10 donated provides 40 meals.
Heart of Florida United Way
- 211: Get help paying bills, finding food, and locating other resources near you.
Orange County Community and Family Services
- Citizen Resource and Outreach Division: Find short-term assistance for residents facing temporary financial hardship.
Here is a copy of Mayor Jerry Demings’ letter to Governor Ron DeSantis:
DemingsOct29foodassistanceDeSantisletter
