Crist Wants Early Release Of Benefits To Help Low Income Families During Pandemic

March 25, 2020

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist is urging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits early to help low income and vulnerable residents during the pandemic.

“Most recipients of SNAP benefits do not have the resources needed to live at home for an extended period, living hand to mouth on monthly payments to purchase the food that they need to feed themselves and their families,” Crist said in a letter Tuesday to DeSantis.

“The COVID-19 global pandemic has left many Floridians without a steady stream of income placing great stress on those in need. In response to these growing demands, and the potential requirement for some SNAP recipients to need to self-quarantine for 14 days or more, I urge you to offer the early release of next month’s SNAP benefits, effective immediately,” Crist wrote.

In other crises, Florida has authorized the early release of SNAP benefits, most recently during Hurricane Dorian.

Comments

7 Responses to “Crist Wants Early Release Of Benefits To Help Low Income Families During Pandemic”

  1. Patricia Lamp on March 27th, 2020 12:52 pm

    Please release benefits early my kids are home from schools being closed and i dont have a car to be able to get to where free lunches are being offered. Im dangerously low on food. I need to go food shopping i have a very rare immune disorder called cgd. My life could be in danger if this covid spreads more i need to shop before this virus gets really bad here

  2. Joyce McGrath on March 26th, 2020 9:35 pm

    Please release the extra food snap benefit. I am going out to food banks for food for me and my daughter everyday to different ones because the food banks are low on supplies. I need to stock up and can’t isolate because I’ve run out of my normal food assistance which was low to begin with. Also please help other people who don’t have a food card who are struggling.

  3. Cindi on March 26th, 2020 11:21 am

    Not just SNAP recipients but also disability benefits should be released a little early. I have a friend with Parkinson’s and he lives off $1400.00 a month. Right now, I take him food and essentials because he doesn’t have anything until the 3rd. Its sad.

  4. Krystal on March 25th, 2020 11:14 pm

    I strongly believe this will help the lower income families and single parent households. It’s been very difficult finding food this past month. Pleaaeove forward with this and pass it as soon as possible! Thanks

  5. Jenny on March 25th, 2020 1:48 pm

    Yes this would help

  6. Ron on March 25th, 2020 11:25 am

    Is he the one that couldn’t get elected as a republican,so he changed to a democrat.

  7. Judith Spring on March 25th, 2020 12:56 am

    This would help alot