JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the federal government shutdown extends into uncharted territory as the longest in U.S. history, local organizations on the First Coast are rising to the challenge, offering assistance one meal at a time.

Outside Café Resistance on Soutel Drive, volunteers from the Jacksonville Community Action Committee (JCAC) dedicated their evening to serving hot meals to families impacted by the halt of federal SNAP and WIC benefits.

Among the recipients was Clifford Watson, a local resident concerned about food scarcity.

“Times are hard,” Watson acknowledged.

He shared with First Coast News a heartfelt story about his grandmother, who, despite her mobility issues, was moved to tears when asking for food. Upon discovering an online post about free meals, Watson promptly made his way there to ensure his grandmother received the nourishment she needed.

“This will help me and my family because we really needed this,” he said. “God is giving back to the community for people who really need food.”

Watson called the experience a blessing.

“We’re in Jacksonville, Florida, and God is good to us,” he added.

JCAC organizers say they’re trying to meet a growing need as many local families face uncertainty without federal assistance.

“There are a lot of hungry families here in Jacksonville,” said Neal Jefferson with JCAC. “When government assistance falls through, we have to have each other’s backs, to help one another and make sure we’re still eating.”

Jefferson said the effort is about more than food; it’s about taking care of their neighbors.

“This is my city, my community,” he said. “You’ve got to take care of the place you live if you want it to continue.”

City leaders are now being called to take action. Council Member Rahman Johnson announced an emergency meeting on the shutdown and SNAP benefits for Jacksonville residents. The meeting is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. inside City Hall.