JCS Mobilizes SNAP Benefit Cuts Relief
JCS Mobilizes Relief for South Floridians Impacted by SNAP Benefit Cuts and Federal Worker Shutdown
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIAMI, FL – October 29, 2025 – As South Florida braces for the elimination of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits on November 1st, Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) is stepping up to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community do not face hunger or despair during this critical time.
The change will impact roughly 1,400 JCS clients, including seniors, Holocaust Survivors, and families already living on limited incomes, who will lose an average of $176.35 per month in food assistance. For many, this loss represents a devastating blow to their ability to meet basic nutritional needs.
To address this urgent situation, JCS is offering the following relief measures:
- Additional monetary support for clients in the JCS Delivers home meal program
- Increased food supplies for individuals receiving home-delivered meals
- Food cards for clients in the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program who receive SNAP
- Publix gift cards for clients identified as most in need
“These combined challenges (the end of SNAP benefits and the government shutdown) place an unprecedented strain on our most vulnerable neighbors, including 120 Holocaust survivors, 240 JCS Kosher Food Bank clients and over 1,100 other residents currently here served by JCS,” said Miriam Singer, CEO and President of Jewish Community Services of South Florida. “With community support, we can help ensure no one is left hungry or without hope.”
As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees from Miami International Airport (MIA) have been showing up to work without receiving pay for almost 30 days. Despite not getting paid, these dedicated professionals continue to report to work each day to ensure the safety and security of our community.
In response, JCS, along with many other nonprofit organizations, has mobilized immediate, temporary relief to support these furloughed essential workers who are responsible for safety and security posts at MIA.
“This is what community is all about,” said Miriam Singer. “The JCS team is stepping up in collaboration with food partners to assist our community. We are proud to support those who serve our country every day, and we thank our partners and donors for helping us extend this lifeline.”
Currently, there are approximately 2,000 TSA and CBP employees in Miami-Dade County affected by the shutdown.
The next distribution of items and relief will take place on Thursday, October 30th at Miami International Airport.
JCS is calling on the community to join its Milk & Honey Campaign, which directly funds essential programs such as the Kosher Food Bank, Older Adult Services, and JCS Delivers. Every contribution helps provide food, care, and stability to those who need it most.
To contribute, please visit: https://jcsfl.org/donate/milk-and-honey/
Media Contact: Alicia Vigil Blanco
305.332.5674
avigilblanco@jcsfl.org
About Jewish Community Services of South Florida
Since 1920, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, based on Jewish values, has remained true to its mission in providing a resilient safety-net of health and social services through a broad array of programs that promote, health, safety, and self-sufficiency. By collaborating with community partners, funders, hundreds of volunteers, sister organizations and local leaders, our team continuously strengthens its engagement and impact. Our professional team continues to provide healing and hope in serving the many layered needs of residents in our diverse and vibrant community. JCS is here for you.