Resources and Support for Floridians Facing Food Insecurity

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

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:
· Feeding America Food Bank Locator - https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

· Hunger Free America - https://findfood.hungerfreeamerica.org

· Food Finder Interactive Map - https://foodfinder.us/

· WhyHunger Find Food Database - https://whyhunger.org/find-food

· Meals on Wheels America: Delivers nutritious meals directly to homes. Find a provider - https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

· Little Food Pantries - https://www.thelittlefreepantries.org/

· Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These agencies often coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and other support services. Find your local AAA - https://eldercare.acl.gov/home

National Hotlines for Immediate Help

· National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)

· WhyHunger Hotline: Call 1-800-5-HUNGRY or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479

· Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to connect with local food programs.