TAMPA, Fla. — The United States has marked one month of the ongoing federal government shutdown, and its effects are being felt nationwide, particularly by those reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In the Tampa Bay area, the cessation of SNAP benefits has placed a considerable strain on families, as reported by Metropolitan Ministries, a key nonprofit organization in the region. The demand for food assistance has surged dramatically since the shutdown’s inception.

According to the nonprofit, the need for meals and groceries has doubled, and with the current expiration of benefits, there is a growing concern about how much more the situation will escalate.

“The fear we’re hearing from the wider community is palpable, and they’re increasingly turning to us for support,” stated Dr. Sarah Combs, President and CEO of Metropolitan Ministries.

In response, the organization is ramping up its efforts by expanding its hot meal program and ensuring that pantries across 54 locations in the Tampa Bay area are well-stocked to accommodate the rising demand.

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.