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On November 1, as the country marked one month of a federal government shutdown, millions of Americans lost access to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps. More than 3 million Floridians rely on federal food assistance, and more than 215,000 households in Miami-Dade receive these benefits, three out of five of which have one or more elderly members, according to the Miami Herald.
Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF), which manages SNAP benefits for the state, has warned Floridians that the benefits won’t be available in November “until federal funding is restored.”
While some SNAP recipients have received their full benefits this month, others have received only a fraction of their typical allotment, and some remain in limbo. On Sunday, a federal appeals court denied the Trump administration’s latest attempt to withhold the federal funding.
The court’s decision may not take effect until late today, as per instructions issued by the Supreme Court. The Trump administration requested the justices’ intervention last week, seeking to halt any requirement that it fully fund SNAP (which the court later granted for a temporary pause).
But while some states, like New York and Virginia, are using their own state funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the government shutdown, DeSantis hasn’t indicated that he’ll use Florida’s rainy day funds to do the same. Democrats in the Florida Legislature signed off on a letter on Tuesday urging the governor to help Floridians who are set to lose federal food assistance this week.
In the meantime, here’s where South Floridians can turn for food assistance:
Miami-Dade County
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Good News Food Pantry
12695 NW 7th Ave., North Miami
305-877-4399
mygnc.org
The North Miami-based food pantry provides free food and supplemental meals to “the poor, needy, and homeless in South Florida,” according to its website. The pantry is open on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Grove Outreach
3460 Royal Rd., Coconut Grove
305-444-8363
groveoutreach@st-hugh.org
The food bank, located inside the St. Hugh Catholic Church in Coconut Grove, distributes free food on Saturdays from 6:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and accepts food donations in person.
JCS Kosher Food Bank
305-947-8093
jcsfl.org
The only food bank in Miami-Dade County to help families who require kosher food, it provides food to “more than 400 families, 70 Holocaust survivors and 225 children annually,” according to its website. Families can shop during pre-arranged, scheduled appointments “to ensure privacy and confidentiality.” The food bank accepts donations of kosher food items.
Curley’s House Food Bank
6025 NW 6th Ct., Miami
305-759-9805
curleyshousefoodbank.com
Located in Miami’s Liberty City, Curley’s House Food Bank feeds more than 5,000 families annually and distributes free food every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 11 a.m.
Matthew 25 Food Pantry
14205 SW 142nd Ave., Miami
305-964-7816
ccadm.org
Operated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami and located in west Miami, the food pantry feeds more than 2,000 families each month and distributes food to the community on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Freedom Lab Miami
4300 NW 12th Ave., Miami
786-877-7826
Starting November 3 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., The Smile Trust will hand out free hot food, sandwich bags, and grocery bags.
Dunn’s Overtown Farms
937 NW 3rd Ave., Miami
786-498-6955
The community farm, located in the heart of Overtown and founded by Black Miami historian Marvin Dunn, said in a social media post that its Freedom Fridge Pantry is open “24/7, no questions asked.”
Broward County
The Pantry of Broward
2800 W. State Road 84, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale
954-358-1481
thepantryofbroward.org
The client-based food pantry serves low-income seniors and grandparents, providing them with monthly 55-pound food boxes filled with nutritious perishable and non-perishable food items. They accept food donations Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Open Hearts Food Pantry
1708 N. State Road 7, Hollywood
954-322-4302
ourhcc.org/foodpantry
Every Saturday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., the food pantry distributes free fresh produce, bread, and dry goods to “anyone in need—no questions asked” outside the Hollywood Community Church, according to its website. The pantry welcomes drive-through and walk-up guests.
Bread of Life
8530 Stirling Rd., Davie
954-435-7474
aplaceintime.org
Located at A Place In Time Christian Ministries in Davie, the food pantry offers weekly mini food distributions every Friday, as well as a general food pantry distribution on the third Saturday of each month. They ask that you register and make an appointment ahead of visiting.
LifeNet4Families
1 NW 33rd Terrace, Fort Lauderdale
954-792-2328
lifenet4families.org
The Lauderhill-based organization operates a “Community Café” that provides free hot meals from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Monday through Saturday, as well as a food pantry that distributes food packages to more than 3,700 individuals and families each month.
Are we missing a food pantry or organization? Please let us know at editorial@miaminewtimes.com.
