5 Ways to Help Orlando Residents During Government Shutdown

Hey Orlando couples and friends! With the government shutdown creating concerns with SNAP and other assistance programs, now is the time for a much-needed “do good date night.” Our community needs love and support, so let’s explore some volunteer options and other ways to help our Orlando neighbors in need. It's as simple as using this week’s date night to volunteer together!

The Heart of the Matter

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides food benefits to low-income individuals and families to help them afford nutritious food. Over half a million Central Floridians receive SNAP benefits each month to buy food and other essentials, according to Second Harvest Food Bank. Across Florida, three million people rely on SNAP support to keep food on the table.

During a government shutdown, benefit payments and program operations are halted, delayed or decreased, leaving food banks scrambling to fill gaps. Nonprofits in Orlando are feeling the pressure; so, they’re calling for volunteers, donations, and community aid to keep families afloat.

Ways to Help

1. Volunteer your time.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is the backbone of food distribution across our region, serving Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Brevard, Marion and Volusia counties. They work with hundreds of partner pantries, school programs and meal sites; and, when the federal safety net gets shaky, their work becomes even more urgent.

Second Harvest has volunteer shifts for packing, sorting and distribution—roles that have an immediate impact. If you can spare a few hours (or swap out this week’s date night for a volunteer slot), please sign up. It’s super easy to book online.

With the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, it is one of our favorite ideas.

There are many more nonprofits in Orlando seeking volunteers and/or donations, including:

• United Against Poverty Orlando (SODO area)
• Mathew’s Hope (Winter Garden area of Orange County, as well as Brevard)
• Lake Cares – (Eustis, Howey in the Hills, Mount Dora, Paisley, Sorrento and Tavares)
• The Sharing Center (Longwood and Seminole Co.)
• Harvest of Hope (Longwood)
• Salvation Army (Orange and Osceola Counties)
• Christian Service Center (Downtown Orlando)
• Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando (Winter Park)

2. Donate and/or host a neighborhood food drive.

Collect shelf-stable, nutritious items and drop them at a feeding partner or site (see list above). Proactively align with neighbors, friends, colleagues, and leisure groups/teams to gather plenty of goods.

Considerations:

• Consider giving money, not just cans. Cash gifts are often even more powerful because food banks can buy in bulk at lower cost.
• When donating, think about nutritious options (canned lean proteins, whole-grain cereals, peanut butter, low-sodium options) and baby/toddler supplies.
• Buy what SNAP doesn’t always cover. Diapers, toiletries and formula are often in short supply but vital.
• Feed Fido too. The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando is seeking donations for their pet food pantry. Citizens of Orange, Seminole or Osceola County who need supplemental dog or cat food are eligible to participate in this program at the Pet Alliance Orlando.

3. Make it your business to help.

If you own a business, consider a temporary discount, a community meal night or matching donations to Second Harvest. These gestures have a real economic impact and build goodwill that pays off when things normalize.

Several national and local companies have rolled out relief programs, discounts or benefits for furloughed federal employees and people affected by the shutdown. For instance, Instacart is offering 50% off grocery orders for SNAP/EBT users, and DoorDash is waving delivery fees for SNAP EBT users who link their card with code SNAPDD.

Keep an eye on company announcements and local franchise locations and share deals with those who need them. Here are a few Orlando businesses that have announced free and/or discounted food during the shut-down:

• Mae Tao & Sons Kitchen (Orlando Food Truck)
• Rolling Js Food Truck (Orlando Food Truck)
• Mason Jar Restaurant (Umatilla, FL)
• NY Bagel Deli & Pizza and BQEatz (Orlando)
• Best of British Pub (Clermont)

I personally like to direct my purchasing power to businesses that give back. So, I'm noting who's stepping up now.

4. Ask local leaders to take action.

Orlando residents concerned about the government shutdown and its impact on SNAP benefits can make their voices heard by contacting local, state, and federal leaders. Constituents can call or email their U.S. Representative and Florida’s Senators to urge them to take swift action to protect food assistance programs and prevent service disruptions for families who rely on them.

Orlandoans can also reach out to the governor’s office to express concern about the strain a shutdown places on agencies that administer SNAP benefits. Every call or email helps remind elected officials that access to food is a vital lifeline for thousands of Central Floridians and that maintaining these programs should be a top priority.

5. All you need is love. So spread the word!

Orlando’s strength has always been its neighborhoods… neighborhoods where people see a need and don’t wait for someone else to fix it. The shutdown may be out of any single citizen’s control, but our response is not. Volunteer, donate, share deals, and check in on neighbors because small, steady actions make a big difference. Let’s be the city that shows up!

More resources to know:

• FindHelp: Website to find local assistance and resources.
• Call 2-1-1: Dial 211 from any phone for free for confidential assistance 24/7. Trained specialists connect callers to nearby food pantries, housing support, utility assistance and more.
• Orange County Government–Crisis Assistance Program: Emergency rent, mortgage and utility payment help for Orlandoans.
• Idealist: VolunteerMatch is now part of Idealist. Continue to work your philanthropic heart by volunteering throughout Greater Orlando beyond the shutdown.

The phrase “pulling at one’s heartstrings” carries a double definition. It can describe the tender tug of romantic love or the deep emotional pull of empathy that connects us to others’ pain. Well, while Orlando Date Night Guide typically focuses on the first meaning, we’re inviting you to embrace the second. After all, volunteering and donating can stimulate the “do good, feel phenomenon.” Research suggests that when someone does something good, a happiness high ensues.

And isn’t helping fellow Orlandoans something to feel good about? So book that “do good date night” now!