TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Feeding Tampa Bay is preparing for a potential surge in demand as significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are implemented.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that almost three million Floridians benefit from SNAP, with more than 250,000 residing in the Tampa Bay region.

Starting in January 2026, recipients in Florida and other select states will no longer be able to purchase junk food with their benefits. 

The work requirement has broadened at the federal level, now including able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64, who must demonstrate they work, volunteer, or undergo training for 20 hours each week.

Parents with children under 14 are exempt, compared to the previous exemption for those with children under 18.

Feeding Tampa Bay leaders said the changes could push more families through their doors.

“When benefits are altered or reduced, or if someone is unaware of upcoming changes and loses their benefits temporarily, they turn to us or our over 400 partners, or they can access a school pantry,” stated Shannon Hannon-Oliviero, director of public affairs at Feeding Tampa Bay.

“We will just try to be there in every way possible, but we definitely always need the community to support us in this,” she added.

She said the organization hasn’t seen major changes yet, but anxiety is rising.

“I’m not witnessing many changes in our sphere at this point. However, there is a lot of fear and potential misunderstanding,” Hannon-Oliviero mentioned. “What’s crucial is to remain up to date with the facts.”

Hannon-Oliviero pointed to the impact on families.

“Consider the family that will lose their benefits. Consider the single mom who may lose her benefits, which she uses to supplement the food that enters her home or supports her income,” Hannon-Oliviero added. “For our organization, this will lead more individuals to us, ensuring they have access to the nutritious foods they need for themselves and those they care for.”

She said Feeding Tampa Bay is preparing to respond.

“We’re always proactively thinking,” Hannon-Oliviero said. “We’re always staying ahead of the game, making sure that we have what folks need, making sure the inventory is available to those people that need it most, and really exploring and finding other ways to impact our community and make it easier for folks to reach us and reach those foods that they need.”

Hannon-Oliviero added that partnerships remain crucial, which is why the food distribution center continues to expand with partners and relationships to ensure every person in the community has access to healthy food.

Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, Hannon-Oliviero said the center will continue the work to serve the community.

“We will always be updating information, so things don’t slip through the cracks,” she said. “We’re going to be another one of those sources, so people understand what they need to do to make sure that they keep their benefits or applying for their benefits.”

“No matter what happens in our world, we will find a way,” Hannon-Oliviero added.