ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Food pantries across St. Johns County are running critically low and seeing record crowds, and for that reason, several local groups came together Friday morning to fight food insecurity.
While many systems are restarting, some programs still face challenges like staffing shortages and backlogs. Moreover, officials say they’re working quickly to get full benefits to millions who missed their regular monthly SNAP payments.
Some states said recipients could get their full benefits Friday, though it might take up to a week.
For that reason, the St. Johns County officials and local groups are working hard to address the community’s rising needs — and do it fast.
Epic-Cure, Pie in the Sky Community Alliance, Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County, and additional organizations serving families, seniors, and individuals across St. Johns County came together to help.
“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing,” Commissioner Sarah Arnold told News4JAX. “We know that the government is reopening, but I don’t think we know exactly what that means and what that looks like.”
News4JAX went to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Friday, where the “Rock the Food Pantries” food drive was underway.
“Music is what’s always brought this community together, and so this is a natural fit for us to be doing the drive here,” Arnold said.
The Amp, as well as the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, will be collecting donations until 6 p.m. Friday.
Residents, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to drop off donations at the Box Office entrances of either venue. Simply pull up, and a member of the SJC Cultural Events staff will collect your donation.