In Broward and Palm Beach counties, those facing a grim countdown to the loss of food stamps range from young adults transitioning out of foster homes to Jews in their 80s and 90s who are Holocaust survivors.
“It’s not like I can tell them to go get a job,” said Marc Hopin, CEO of Alpert Jewish Family Service, which provides social service assistance from Boynton Beach to Jupiter.
The Alpert JFS is among the growing number of South Florida nonprofit agencies that are rapidly gearing up to provide aid to clients who possibly saw their last round of assistance end with the month of October.
In a recent public announcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture made it clear that no funding will be made available effective Saturday for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or WIC, a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children.
The USDA currently has about $6 billion in SNAP contingency funding but says it is reserved for emergencies such as natural disasters — an assertion that Democrats in Congress sharply dispute. The agency also has told states they will not be reimbursed if they use their own money to pay for November benefits.
According to The Associated Press, 12% of all U.S. households receive SNAP benefits.
In South Florida, the figures break down this way:
- Broward County: 13% of 749,372
- Palm Beach County: 10% of 597,053
- Miami-Dade County: 26.1% of 964,801
In a letter this week to Florida’s congressional representatives, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levina Cava implored the lawmakers to engage in “immediate bipartisan action” to help break the logjam in Washington.
She urged them to extend federal healthcare subsidies and deploy “federal resources and emergency funding” to continue programs including SNAP, WIC, housing assistance “and other core safety net services that protect public health and safety.”
Here are some details of what several organizations are undertaking on approach to the potential suspension of food stamps and WIC assistance.
United Way Broward
According to its website, the Fort Lauderdale-based organization is operating a project called “Project Lifeline” to help people affected by the government shutdown. United Way is “seeking dedicated volunteers to help with the sorting, packing, and distribution of food boxes to individuals and families affected by the government shutdown.”
Location: United Way Broward | Ansin Building, 1300 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
Date/Times: Thursday, first shift: 8:30 a.m. to noon (packing, sorting) and second shift: noon to 3:30 pm (distributing food boxes).
Officials say they are focused on ensuring people in need have access to essentials including food, water, health and wellness, and shelter. Those seeking help can dial 2-1-1, or visit unitedwaybroward.org.
Alpert Jewish Family Service
Donors are asked to consider contributing money or food. They can visit alpertjfs.org, which contains details on its home page.
Hopin said the organization estimated it has 30 to 40 clients on SNAP and “probably more.”
Another group affected is a “mentoring for kids program,” where single-parent families have a number of social service needs.
“There are nine or ten families who have spoken to us,” he said. “They have multiple children and they are working part time. Some are dealing with medical issues.”
ChildNet
The organization, which has been operating for more than two decades, unites foster parents with children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. It is under contract with the Department of Children and Families in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
ChildNet is conducting an emergency fundraiser to help cover the needs of an estimated 1,000 children and/or family members who care for the children who rely on SNAP. Donations can be made at ChildNet.us by clicking DONATE.
Larry Rein, the CEO, said ChildNet also supervises 300 young adults between the ages of 18 and 23 who are receiving benefits and would need assistance as well.
“They remain under our supervision and we provide them with some benefits,” he said. “They are almost likely to be receiving SNAP benefits. We are concerned about them.”
Feeding South Florida
The organization, which maintains food distribution operations in Pembroke Park and Boynton Beach, has added SNAP recipients to its list of priorities after focusing on furloughed federal workers.
The organization operates a mobile pantry program that delivers fruits and vegetables to “food deserts,” which are low-income neighborhoods that lack access to affordable and healthy food. It also partners with nearly 500 retail stores that donate excess perishable items to families. The partners include Publix, Target, Walmart, Winn Dixie, BJs, Costco and Fresh Market.
The Pembroke Park outlet operates 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
The Boynton Beach outlet operates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
People should call ahead for appointments.
To donate or volunteer visit feedingsouthflorida.org.
Boca Helping Hands
In South Palm Beach County, Boca Helping Hands operates food pickup locations in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Boca Raton and West Boca.
A partner agency of the Town of Palm Beach United Way, Boca Helping Hands provides food, medical, and financial assistance and is offering pantry bags to local federal employees who are impacted by the shutdown.
Dr. Andrew Hagen, the executive director, said the agency is looking to the community to donate food that will quickly be distributed. “Food drives from businesses, schools, places of worship, and other groups are most welcome,” he said.
To donate food, contact Bill Harper at bill@bocahelpinghands.org or call 561-417-0913. For general information visit bocahelpinghands.org.