Florida Democrats urge DeSantis to issue emergency declaration with SNAP benefits at risk because of shutdown

Florida Democratic legislators are urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency on food insecurity, as nearly 3 million Floridians face potential loss of federal food assistance if the government shutdown extends beyond Nov. 1.

RELATED: Nearly 3 million Floridians receive SNAP benefits. An expert explains how a pause in federal food aid could impact them

State lawmakers sent a letter to DeSantis on Tuesday requesting emergency measures to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which provide monthly grocery assistance to low-income individuals and families.

“Here in Florida, nearly 3 million people will go without SNAP benefits if the government shutdown continues,” said State Rep. Angie Nixon.

She’s one of the people who signed the letter.

In the letter, the lawmakers ask the governor to:

1. Declare a State of Emergency on Food Insecurity to unlock state emergency resources, including but not limited to funding;
2. Authorize state agencies to draw from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund to acquire non-perishable food items, fresh from Florida produce, meats, and dairy, and other aid to address food insecurity;
3. Direct the Department of Children and Families to coordinate with local food banks and community partners to distribute aid immediately;
4. Request the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to implement universal school meals programs for the duration of the emergency.

Nixon said the impact of losing benefits would span various demographics, including active-duty military members, teachers, and children.

“Right now we need to force him to ensure that he’s looking out for our families and our neighbors here in the state of Florida to make sure our babies do not go hungry,” Nixon said.

Several states, including Virginia and Louisiana, have already declared states of emergency in response to the looming SNAP crisis.

Some people who use SNAP told News4JAX they’re concerned about what the loss of benefits will mean for them.

“What are we supposed to do?” one man said. “How are we supposed to survive if we’re not getting what we’re supposed to get?”

That man also said he sees people’s comments online, implying that all people on SNAP benefits need to do is “get a job” or “get a better one.”

He said it’s not that easy.

“People are not hiring,” he said. “They don’t want to give you a chance.”

News4JAX reached out to the Governor’s Office asking if they plan to declare a state of emergency. We’re waiting to hear back.

We also asked the same question of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, since some Georgia lawmakers also asked him to declare a state emergency.

His office referred us to an X post where he says in part: “...It is past time for D.C. Democrats to pass the continuing resolution they previously voted for 13 times when Joe Biden was president and get back to working for the people of our state!”