JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The City of Jacksonville and other community partners launched the Duval Care Coalition in response to the government shutdown and SNAP benefit delays.
RELATED: The government shutdown is now the longest on record. Here’s where to get help in Northeast Florida
The network will unite faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and community food banks so that no resident in need is without essential support.
Mayor Donna Deegan said that they are seeing a demand at food pantries increase by as much as 300%.
“Rising prices, stagnant wages, and the recent federal shutdown have all pushed many families to the breaking point and the data gives us a very clear picture of hunger in Jacksonville,” Deegan said.
She said that more than 8 in 10 local households on SNAP have either children or senior citizens living with them. Nearly 6,000 veterans rely on SNAP.
Deegan also said that in Jacksonville, reduced benefits also mean higher health costs. Every dollar cut from food assistance becomes $3 that will be spent later on health care and emergency aid.
“The City of Jacksonville has been tackling this challenge well before today,” Deegan said.
Lonranda Lofton is a U.S. Army Veteran, SNAP recipient, triple-negative breast cancer patient, and single mother of two special needs kids. She talked about how the SNAP delays have affected her and her family.
“It’s been a real struggle,” Lofton said. “I am on a fixed income from just my disabled veteran salary, so stretching that between me, my kids, gas, rent, and now groceries, it’s hard.”
Toye Martin is a cancer cohort patient and is on SNAP too.
“When I got to Florida a year ago in December, I had to give up my job to go take care of my mom. I help others with the benefits that I receive and without that, I can’t help myself and I can’t help my community where those people depend on me,” Martin said.
Deegan said the city is partnering with United Way’s 211 helpline to make sure families can find food.
She said JEA is now modifying the criteria for customers to qualify for short-term payment arrangements.
The utility also announced that it is not applying late fees after Thursday until further notice.
Customers can click here if they need assistance or call 904-665-6000.
Click here to learn more about the Duval Care Coalition and where you can get support.