TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Feeding Tampa Bay is bracing for an increase in demand as sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, take effect.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly three million Floridians receive SNAP benefits, with more than 250,000 of them in the Tampa Bay area. 

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

The federal work requirement is also expanding — now applying to able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64, who must prove they work, volunteer, or attend training for 20 hours a 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 change or they’re cut, or someone might miss a change that’s around the corner and lose their benefits and that time in between, they come to us or our over 400 partners or can access a school pantry,” said 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 don’t see a number of changes coming into our world yet. There’s a lot of fear and there’s a lot of maybe misunderstanding,” Hannon-Oliviero said. “But really, what we need to focus on is staying informed on the facts.”

Hannon-Oliviero pointed to the impact on families.

“Think about that family that is going to lose their benefits. Think about that single mom that might lose her benefits that she’s using this to supplement the food that’s coming into her home or her income,” Hannon-Oliviero said. “But for us, it’s just going to drive more people our way, to make sure that they can get access to the healthy foods they need for themselves and those they support.”

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.