ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Families who rely on SNAP benefits could still be waiting weeks for assistance to resume, after President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill that ended the record 43-day shutdown.
That delay has local Democrats and Republicans joining forces, putting politics aside to help families in need through a new bipartisan relief effort called Orange County United for Jamaica and for Orange County.
The drive is collecting nonperishable food, baby items, toiletries, Gatorade, and pet food for Central Florida families affected by the shutdown and for hurricane victims in Jamaica. Clothing donations are not being accepted.
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“It doesn’t matter what party you belong to, people are struggling across our community,” said Sammy Vilchez Santiago, chair of the Orange County Democratic Party. “We’ve seen an affordability crisis for a long time, and the shutdown has made things even harder, especially with SNAP benefits not being there.”
The main drop-off site is located at 1400 Jordan Ave. in Orlando and will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. A secondary location at Sutherlin Nissan on East Colonial Drive is already open and accepting donations through Friday evening.
The effort is also getting a boost from the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando, which has pledged $5,000 in aid toward this week’s drive.
Local Republican representative Randy Ross said the collaboration sends a message that unity can go a long way.
“I think it sets an example for people in D.C.,” Ross said. “When Democrats and Republicans work together, it doesn’t cost us anything. Unity is priceless, and together, we can accomplish anything.”
Organizers say the collection runs through the end of the week, and even small donations can make a difference, especially as families wait for SNAP benefits to be fully restored.
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