As the continued government shutdown brings continued uncertainty for millions of families, and SNAP recipients were notified last week that SNAP benefits for the month of November will not be issued until federal funding is restored.

Over half a million Central Floridians receive SNAP benefits each month to help buy food, milk, and other essentials. Across Florida, nearly 3 million people count on this support to keep food on the table.

Below are additional resources happening next month for those in need by our local community:

Mae Tao & Sons Kitchen

Free congee

Kaya, Monday, 11/3, 6-8 pm

Smoke & Donuts BBQ, Wednesday, 11/5, 6-8pm

Additional dates/times/locations to follow.

Rolling Js Food Truck

Free Grilled cheese meals for kids
The child must accompany the parent when ordering, please also have your ID and SNAP/EBT card to receive the meal.

Locations: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551047991280 

Framework Craft Coffee House

Pay-what-you-can policy

https://www.instagram.com/frameworkcoffeehouse

Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa

Kids eat free after 5 pm on Wednesdays

Maitland and Mills50 locations

Mason Jar Restaurant

Free kids lunches every day until SNAP is restored

37534 FL-19, Umatilla, FL 32784

Heart of Jerusalem

Kids eat free at all locations until SNAP benefits are restored. 

One free kids meal per child. Parent must be present.

5683 Red Bug Lake Rd, Winter Springs, FL 32708

NY Bagel Deli & Pizza and BQEatz

Starting November 1st, NY Bagel Deli & Pizza, in partnership with BQEatz, is offering a helping hand to families struggling due to the ongoing government shutdown and the loss of food stamps. Every Saturday and Sunday, we will be serving up to 50 free bagels with cream cheese (after 7 am) or cheeseburgers (after 10 am) to families with children receiving food stamps. No purchase is necessary—just bring a valid ID that matches your food stamp card, and we’ll feed up to two children (12 and under). For Media inquiries, please contact Evie Blanco at evieblancomusic@gmail.com

5001 Gateway Ave, Orlando, FL 32821

Best of British Pub

Come and see us for a free bacon butty and a tea or coffee, no need to show us proof, we will serve you discreetly, and hope it helps a little until we get back to normal 

16909 High Grove blvd, Clermont, FL, United States, Florida

Mirai Arcade

From November 1–23, we’re teaming up with Knight’s Pantry @khkpantry for a Food Drive  Knight’s Pantry focuses on giving back to UCF student who may be struggling with food security. In light of the giving season, we are giving back to the UCF student body to show appreciation that many of you have shown us. Bring in non-perishable or canned goods and earn FREE credits for every item you donate (1 item = 10 credits, max 5 per day)!

441 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL

Additional Resources

State Representative Anna Eskamani and team have put together a resource page that includes food banks: https://annaforflorida.com/governmentshutdown/

If you or someone you know is affected, visit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Food Finder to find food assistance through our network of more than 870 feeding partners across seven Central Florida counties.

Food Bank Options

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida — Emergency food boxes, SNAP assistance, and a searchable pantry locator.
• Hope Community Center — Weekly grocery distributions and holistic support for immigrant and working families.
• United Against Poverty Orlando — Affordable member grocery program, crisis assistance, and workforce development.
• Christian Service Center — Free hot meals served regularly to anyone in need in downtown Orlando.
• Catholic Charities of Central Florida — Operates multiple food pantries and distribution sites throughout Central Florida.
• Good Samaritan Resource Center — Provides food, clothing, and case management for families and individuals in crisis.
• Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando – Pearlman Food Pantry — Offers groceries, hygiene products, and social services assistance.
• The Salvation Army Orlando — Emergency food pantry, hot meal service, and utility/rent assistance programs.
• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry (Apopka) — Food boxes available twice monthly for local families in need.
• Harvest Time International (Sanford) — Large distribution center providing groceries and household items to families.
• The Sharing Center (Longwood) — Groceries, hygiene items, and wraparound support services for families in need.

Other Resources

• Call 2-1-1 — Dial 211 from any phone for free, confidential assistance 24/7. Trained specialists can connect you to nearby food pantries, housing support, utility assistance, and more: 211.org; also visit Heart of Florida United Way
• Orange County Government – Crisis Assistance Program — Emergency rent, mortgage, and utility payment help.
• Need Pet Food or Supplies? Visit Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando – Pet Food Pantry.
• Need Personalized Support? Team Anna can help connect you to local nonprofits and assistance programs. Contact us here.

Frequently Asked Questions

SNAP: On November 1st, food assistance for 40 million people will run out of funding if the government shutdown continues. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administered through the Florida Department of Children and Families is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a federal agency whose funding is affected by the federal government shutdown. You may receive notices about your eligible benefit amount, but you will not receive any benefits deposited to your EBT card during this time. 

Social Security: Social Security checks will be mailed out as usual. This process is automated and remains unaffected by a potential shutdown. However, new applications and folks needing to update their information may experience delays. 

Medicare / Medicaid: Medicare, Medicaid and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.

Veterans: VA services will still be available, the Orlando VA Medical Center will remain open. Please note that VA call centers and hotlines will be temporarily closed, and Veterans Benefits Administration public contact services will not be available. There may be reports of minor delays in receiving discharge documentation necessary to process loan applications.

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS): USCIS is fee-funded, so it remains open and continues to process applications.