DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Thousands of Volusia County families lined up outside the Daytona International Speedway on Sunday morning, hoping to collect donated food as ongoing SNAP funding cuts continue to strain low-income households.
The large-scale food drive organized by the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and several community groups worked to fill the gap left by no SNAP benefits.
“We have over 200,000 pounds of food to give away today,” said Rabbi Robert Lennick, executive director of the Jewish Federation. “We’ve had help from hundreds of volunteers over the last two days, and we’re hoping to reach as many households as we can. The reason we’re able to do this is because we did it together, and that’s a testament to this community.”
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Cars stretched for miles outside the speedway as volunteers packed thousands of bags with essentials. Many of those waiting in line described the experience as both emotional and overwhelming.
“It’s incredible how many people are hungry,” one recipient said tearfully. “It’s heartbreaking knowing that this many people are struggling. The government needs to do its job.”
According to Sheriff Mike Chitwood, more than 39,000 households in Volusia County rely on SNAP benefits. With recent cuts taking effect, local food banks and volunteers say the need has surged in recent weeks.
“Right now, the community is feeling it,” said volunteer Dematria Humphrey. “It’s wonderful what Sheriff Chitwood and the food banks have done to come together. We all have to stick together right now.”
Volunteers of all ages helped load cars and assemble food bags, with distribution beginning nearly two hours earlier than scheduled due to the long line of vehicles.
“I’m glad that people can be like us — where we have food that we could provide for each other,” said 9-year-old volunteer Logan Mahoney.
Retired state employee Dennis Sandifur, said it felt like the right time to give back. “I felt it’s about time to help out and give back. I needed to come and help out,” he said.
For families who weren’t able to attend Sunday’s event, Rabbi Lennick said there are still food banks across Volusia County ready to assist those in need.