As shutdown stalls SNAP aid, here’s how Pembroke Pines groups are filling gaps
As the federal government shutdown carries on, millions of Floridians have been experiencing a pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, known as SNAP, since Saturday, Nov. 1.
President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday, Nov. 3, agreed to move $4.65 billion in emergency funds to partially fund SNAP this month after a federal judge ordered officials to keep the program running through the shutdown.
The plan would cover roughly half of the current SNAP participants’ monthly benefits, according to a new legal filing. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the partial funding leaves no money for new applicants certified in November, disaster assistance or a reserve to prevent a full program shutdown.
“Using billions of dollars from Child Nutrition for SNAP would leave an unprecedented gap in Child Nutrition funding that Congress has never had to fill with annual appropriations, and USDA cannot predict what Congress will do under these circumstances.,” Patrick Penn, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Nutrition and Consumer Services, wrote in the court filing.
According to USAFacts, about 2.98 million Florida residents — roughly 12.7% of the population — received SNAP benefits during the 2024 fiscal year.
The USDA, the federal agency that administers SNAP, is affected by the federal government shutdown and will not issue November benefits until funding is restored.
SNAP serves nearly 42 million Americans and provides nutritional support to low-income seniors, people with disabilities and families living on fixed incomes.
Recipients do not need to reapply for assistance once the shutdown ends. The department will continue to process applications and renewals during the lapse in funding.
While many residents are struggling, some local businesses and organizations in Pembroke Pines are doing what they can to help.
Pho Bar Vietnamese Kitchen
Starting Monday, Nov. 3, Pho Bar Vietnamese Kitchen, located at 10640 Pines Blvd., will offer one free to-go meal per person each day until SNAP benefits are restored.
The meal can be any entrée or pho priced under $17.50. Those interested need to mention “SNAP meal” when ordering.
“In Vietnamese culture, we want everyone to eat,” the restaurant shared in a Facebook post.
Following requests from the community, the restaurant is also accepting donations to help fund the free meal initiative.
A Place in Time Ministries
A Place in Time Christian Ministries, a nonprofit that helps fight food insecurity, hosts mini food distributions on the first Friday of each month and a general food pantry distribution on the third Saturday.
The next distribution will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8530 Stirling Road in Pembroke Pines. Those seeking assistance must register and set up an appointment.
Through Nov. 18, the organization will accept donations to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
Kasa Champet Restaurant & Lounge
Starting Wednesday, Nov. 5, Kasa Champet Resturant & Lounge, located at 7290 Pines Blvd., will serve meals to neighbors affected by SNAP cuts as well as furlouged federal workers during the government shutdown.
No purchase is required, simply show proof of being a SNAP recipient or federal ID to recieve the meal.
They are serving chicken or fried tilapia with the choice of white rice and stew beans or mixed brown rice and beans, both with fried plantains.
What happens next for SNAP recipients?
SNAP benefits are expected to return after congressional lawmakers pass a bill funding the federal government, ending the current shutdown.
Currently, Republicans and Democratic lawmakers are at a stalemate, having failed to advance any proposed legislation to reopen the government.
This story was originally published November 3, 2025 at 12:54 PM.
