ORLANDO, Fla. – Thirty days into the ongoing government shutdown, the looming expiration of SNAP benefits is causing growing concern across Central Florida. Millions of Americans are bracing for the potential loss of critical food assistance, and local food pantries are feeling the strain.
At Matthew’s Hope in Orange County, shelves are growing bare as demand continues to rise. Volunteer David Stamper, who relies on SNAP to help feed himself, says the uncertainty has been weighing heavily on him.
[RELATED: Where to get food help in Central Florida]
“Mentally, just having that security — knowing there’s food on the table, a meal for the next day — that’s the worry,” Stamper said.
If SNAP benefits stall, Stamper fears he’ll be forced to depend entirely on the pantry for meals.
“Having EBT gave me that help so I didn’t have to fully rely on the pantry,” he explained. “Now I’m going to have to be 100% reliant on it.”
[WATCH: Orlando residents, community advocates prepare for possible SNAP gap]
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 41 million Americans depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including 2.9 million Floridians.
Scott Billue, founder of Matthew’s Hope, says the organization has been struggling to keep up with the rapidly growing need.
“At this point, the need has grown so much,” Billue said. “In one day, we can go through between $15,000 - $20,000 worth of food resources.”
Billue says almost all of the pantry’s supplies come from community donations, and while recent online pleas have helped bring in some food, the situation remains dire.
“Unless I learn how to print money soon, I can only do what I can do,” he said.
[WATCH: Osceola County food pantries see surge in need amid government shutdown]
Despite the challenges, the team at Matthew’s Hope remains committed to serving those in need for as long as possible.
For Stamper, the uncertainty over SNAP has become a matter of faith.
“I wouldn’t say hope,” he said quietly. “I’d say pray. I pray every day — each and every day — for it to come.”