JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If the federal government remains closed past the first of November, nearly three million residents in Florida could lose access to crucial food aid, according to State Representative Angie Nixon (D – Jacksonville). Alarmingly, children constitute about 50% of this group, she highlighted on Monday.

Nixon, who is a mother of five, including a five-year-old, shared her personal insight: “I know the impact hunger has on children when they attend school. We must prevent any Floridian from experiencing hunger,” she emphasized.

Food banks throughout Florida are facing increased demand while their supplies wane. Nixon mentioned her conversation with Feeding Northeast Florida, where she was informed that current resources are insufficient to cater to those relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Nixon is calling on Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency and allocate emergency funds to assist struggling families. States like Virginia and Hawaii are making similar efforts to provide support during this critical time.

“If he was able to do one and to, throw up a raggedy tent city down in the Everglades, this is something that he should definitely do,” she said.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking on Meet the Press, recently called on leaders to reopen the government as well.

“We’re starting to eat in the muscle here,” Bessent said. “This is starting to affect travel. It’s starting to affect the economy.”

Nixon has launched a petition encouraging residents to urge state leadership to act before SNAP benefits run out for many families.

“At the end of the day, these are children,” she said. “These are families that are struggling. He definitely needs to do the right thing.”

Efforts to reach the governor’s office for comment were unsuccessful Monday evening. The Florida Department of Children and Families warns that November SNAP benefits may be delayed or unfunded until federal funding is restored.