City will monitor need as SNAP suspension and shutdown continue

City staff say St. Petersburg will continue to monitor the impact of the suspended Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and ongoing federal government shutdown before determining whether to extend or expand local support beyond November.

The city last week donated $20,000 to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic to help feed about 3,200 people through the month. Staff said the organization was chosen for its wide reach and ability to move resources quickly.

“Once the city was able to identify available resources, we selected a community organization whose reach is citywide, food programs and services are readily accessible, and operations mobilize effectively,” a city staff spokesperson told Poliverse. “We will continue to monitor the impending ongoing suspension of SNAP benefits and federal shutdown and make an appropriate determination about next steps when the time comes.”

The Free Clinic’s food bank currently distributes food to more than 60 sites across Pinellas County, including two in St. Petersburg – one downtown and another along the Deuces Corridor. The City said that broad network is expected to make the greatest impact in reaching residents who need food assistance.

Since the City’s announcement, only a few residents have contacted the billing and collections department for help with utility payments, according to staff. They said they expect more outreach in the coming weeks and will assess their approach if demand increases.

“Should demand grow, we will continue taking the needs of our customers into consideration and evaluate our efforts at that time,” the staffer assured.

When asked about coordinating with schools, churches or senior centers to identify residents most affected by food insecurity, the City’s representative said its Social Services department provides individuals and organizations with community resources and connects them to related assistance programs.

“Since many experiencing food insecurity may also be affected by other physical, mental and emotional distress, we work to connect requestors directly with resources who can help them with challenges they may face due to transportation issues, medical assistance and other social determinants of health.”

The City will continue to evaluate the situation as the federal shutdown and SNAP suspension develop, and make additional decisions based on community need.