Osceola County, Florida – In a troubling development, thousands of families in Central Florida, including many seniors, are facing the abrupt halt of their SNAP benefits. This disruption is leaving individuals struggling to secure essential food supplies, with many expressing concern that food banks cannot cater to their specific dietary needs.

“As a citizen living on my current income, it’s incredibly challenging. Quite frankly, it’s unfair,” shared Shirley Williford, a senior citizen directly affected by the benefit delay.

Recently, both Williford and another local senior, Kim Augenstein, were informed that their SNAP benefits for the month of November would be postponed. For Williford, who relies on a fixed income and lacks transportation, the news has been distressing.

“I deal with high blood pressure and have had to adjust my diet accordingly. Now, without my benefits, I worry about accessing the food necessary for my health,” Williford explained.

Augenstein, who has been diagnosed with diabetes, echoed similar concerns, noting the potential health risks associated with the loss of benefits. “Managing diabetes requires a specific diet to work alongside insulin. If I can’t access the right foods, it poses a significant health threat,” she emphasized.

[VIDEO: Central Florida food programs face challenges as federal SNAP support stops]

Now, the seniors are relying on local organizations in Osceola County, such as Clarita’s House Outreach Ministries and the Black Empowerment and Community Council, which are already seeing a rising demand.

“Families are already so tight with money and resources. For us to be at this critical time, it’s important that we rally together,” said Tiffany Jeffers with the Black Empowerment and Community Council.

But those groups say the ongoing government shutdown is also limiting the resources they can offer. “The grant writers keep saying we can’t do this one or that one. So many programs are being cut. Some of the grants we would normally get—recurring grants—we’re no longer getting, and that’s definitely because of government funding,” said Doreen Barker, founder of Clarita’s House Outreach Ministries.

In the meantime, seniors are helping each other by sharing rides and picking up groceries—but they’re still hoping the shutdown ends soon.

“I don’t think it needs to be cut down. It doesn’t need to be cut off—because I depend on those food stamps,” Williford said.

The Black Empowerment and Community Council is partnering with Solid Rock Community Church in Kissimmee and AARP next week to distribute food and resources to those impacted by the SNAP delays.