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As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older adults—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.
You Are Not Alone
If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available. Whether you need groceries, home-delivered meals, or someone to talk to, these resources are here to support you. You deserve dignity, nourishment, and peace of mind.
Check Your EBT Balance
Unused SNAP benefits from previous months may still be available. Benefits usually stay on your card for up to 12 months. Visit your state’s EBT portal or call the number on the back of your card to check your balance.
Many food banks and pantries offer services tailored to older individuals, including home delivery and dietary-sensitive options:
In Florida:
Food Banks: Visit the Feeding Florida website or the website of a food bank in your area:
Second Harvest of the Big Bend: Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla
Feeding the Gulf Coast: Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Washington
Feeding Northeast Florida: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Union
Second Harvest Central Florida: Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia
Feeding Tampa Bay: Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sumter
All Faiths Food Bank: DeSoto, Sarasota
Treasure Coast Food Bank: Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie
Harry Chapin Food Bank: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee
Feeding South Florida: Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach
Other Resources:
Pinellas County - Neighborly Care Network: Senior Cafes https://neighborly.org/senior-cafes/, or call (727) 573-9444
Pasco County Senior Services Delivered Meals & Congregate Meal Sites: https://www.pascocountyfl.gov/services/senior_services/index.php, or call 727-834-3340
WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Florida families who qualify.
The Temporary Cash Assistance Program provides cash assistance to families with children under the age of 18 or under age 19 if full time secondary (high school) school students, that meet the technical, income, and asset requirements. The program helps families become self-supporting while allowing children to remain in their own homes.
The Optional State Supplementation Program provides monthly cash payments to elderly or disabled individuals who live in residential living facilities like assisted living, adult family care homes and mental health treatment facilities.
Florida Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Air conditioning is expensive. The cost of staying safe and healthy can be too much. There is help available to pay your energy bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Florida Council On Aging Resources
If you’re looking for additional help, the Florida Council on Aging provides a wealth of information to help citizens grow old in their community. They can point you in the right direction to other programs that could help you save money.
National Family Caregiver Support Program:
If you are caring for a loved one over 55 years old, you may be eligible to receive financial support.
Nationwide resources:
National Hotlines for Immediate Help