ORLANDO, Fla. – In a concerning development, millions of Americans dependent on SNAP benefits for food might face a disruption in November if the government remains shut down.

Several states, including Florida, have recently issued warnings that monthly SNAP distributions could be halted next month. This alert was highlighted on the website of Florida’s Department of Children and Families.

According to 2024 statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 3 million Floridians, which equates to about 1 in every 8 residents, rely on SNAP benefits.

[WATCH: Significant changes on the horizon for Florida SNAP benefits]

A closer look at the demographics reveals that 59% of SNAP beneficiaries in Florida are families with children, while 41% include older adults or individuals with disabilities.

What’s behind the government shutdown?

The federal government has been in shutdown since Oct. 1. Republicans in Congress want to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government for about two months while they negotiate a more longterm spending bill.

Democrats, however, want any continuing resolution to also extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire at the end of the year. Without them, health care premiums could skyrocket by 114%, according to an analysis by health policy group KFF.

Republicans say they won’t negotiate on the subsidies until Democrats vote to reopen the government. The stalemate has kept the government closed for 23 days, with no signs of a compromise.

[WATCH: What happens in a government shutdown? Here’s what to know]

Some Republican lawmakers prefer to completely overhaul the ACA instead.

The problem is not the expiring subsidies but “the cost of health care,” Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

The USDA told states earlier this month not to send SNAP information to vendors who provide the EBT debit cards because of the uncertainty.

That means even if the government reopens before November, there could be a delay in benefits.

Some are urging federal and state leaders to issue temporary measures to fill the SNAP gap.

The United States Conference of Mayors is asking USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to prevent the SNAP interruption from happening, potentially by dipping into a contingency fund to fulfill the benefits.

Rep. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee, said during a Facebook Live town hall on Thursday that he had also signed a letter to Rollins urging her to use the contingency fund.

Meanwhile, Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando, sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature to convene a special session and pass a bill to fund SNAP for Florida families.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, also said in a Facebook post that Gov. DeSantis could call a state emergency to leverage executive powers to help SNAP recipients, something being done in other states. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, announced a state of emergency on Thursday.

Local food programs brace for increased need

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida distributes food to 870 pantries, shelters, and community meal programs in seven Central Florida counties.

The nonprofit says right now the programs are distributing enough food for 300,000 meals a day, which was the same amount being distributed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, a delay in SNAP benefits will likely exacerbate the need for food donations.

“Across Central Florida, the need for food assistance is already sky-high. Families, seniors, and veterans are at a tipping point. Many describe making impossible choices and reducing their food intake to balance their monthly budgets,” said Erika Spence, communications manager for Second Harvest.

How to get help near you

If you or someone you know needs help with food donations, Second Harvest has a Food Locator on its website to help find programs near you. The database lists programs in Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

Spence says the programs listed on the Food Finder operate independently, so some may take appointments or have specific requirements to qualify for help. Some can also provide emergency help. Much of that information is listed on the website.

For people in Flagler County, Feeding Northeast Florida distributes food to partner pantries and other programs in the area. You can find a food pantry through that website.

For people in Polk and Sumter counties, Feeding Tampa Bay, which oversees that area, has a Find a Pantry database and a calendar for other food events on its website.

There’s also Farm Share, a nonprofit that works with Florida farmers to distribute food at events throughout the state.

Check the monthly calendar on their website for upcoming events.

You can also dial 2-1-1 to be connected with organizations that may be able to help with food and other types of assistance. Learn more at the Florida 211 website. This service is not available in Marion County.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.