In Tampa, Florida, the ongoing federal government shutdown has entered its fourth week, creating a challenging situation for millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The deadlock in Washington, D.C., has left many without crucial benefits, resonating deeply in communities across the country.

In the Tampa Bay area, the impact is palpable, with a significant increase in food assistance requests reported by Metropolitan Ministries. The nonprofit organization has observed a dramatic doubling in demand for meals and groceries since the onset of the shutdown, underscoring the growing crisis faced by local families.

Dr. Sarah Combs, President and CEO of Metropolitan Ministries, expressed concerns over the rising need for support, stating, “The fear we’re hearing from the community is significant, and they’re increasingly turning to us for help.”

In response to the heightened demand, the organization has expanded its hot meal program and is actively stocking pantries at 54 locations throughout Tampa Bay. Last month alone, Metropolitan Ministries provided 50,000 hot meals, a testament to their commitment to addressing food insecurity amid the ongoing shutdown.

Combs said the organization is expanding its hot meal program, stocking up pantries across 54 locations in Tampa Bay to meet the increasing need.

The nonprofit also served 50,000 hot meals last month.

“We’re going to be looking at about a quadruple number of individuals and families that are going to be needing food assistance,” Combs said. “We’re trying to meet that need, stock up our pantries, make sure that we’re providing additional resources.”

A federal judge in Rhode Island on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to continue SNAP payments using emergency funding, saying irreparable harm will occur if benefits are not restored.

President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, saying he has directed his administration’s lawyers to seek legal direction from the courts and would fund the program if permitted.

Members of Congress representing the Tampa Bay area say they agree action is needed.

“We need to be at the negotiating table to end the health care crisis. Cancel the cuts and the shutdown, not squabble over whether or not Americans are going to receive the food assistance that goes to children, the elderly, and our neighbors who have a disability,” said Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Florida

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Florida, said nonprofits are trying to fill the gap but cannot keep up.

“People need to eat. Seniors, children, working families in general and if we can open up the government as soon as possible, then we can solve this problem,” he said.

Nearly 3 million Floridians — about 13 percent of the state’s population — are affected by the expiration of benefits.