Feeding Northeast Florida saw 20% more people at its food distribution events this spring compared with the first quarter of 2026, CEO Susan King told Jacksonville Today in an interview published Tuesday, Aug. 25. The Jacksonville-based nonprofit distributed more than 38.1 million pounds of food last year and is on pace to exceed that total in 2026.

Feeding Northeast Florida hosts mobile food distribution events at Chet’s Creek Church on its Southside Campus at 6625 Terry Road, serving Mandarin and Southside families. King said partner agencies across the organization’s 12-county network consistently report turning away households because they run out of food before they can serve everyone who shows up.

King pointed to a cascade of rising costs that force families to choose between bills and meals. Gasoline prices in greater Jacksonville climbed 31% over the past 12 months, according to AAA data. Food-at-home prices nationally rose 2.7% between July 2025 and July 2026, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. JEA’s board approved rate increases for electricity, water and sewer service taking effect Oct. 1.

“… You have to pay your rent. You have to pay your utilities. If you need a car, you have to pay your insurance,” King said. “Those kinds of things are not flexible.”

New state restrictions, federal shift ahead

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced proposed first-in-the-nation restrictions on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families spending Monday, Aug. 24, at a Feeding Tampa Bay warehouse in Tampa. Under the amended state plan, Temporary Cash Assistance benefits would not be used to directly purchase tobacco, nicotine or vaping products; tattoos; tanning and other luxury services; video games, entertainment tickets or subscriptions; or psychic and fortune-telling services.

DeSantis said the benefits are modest but should be reserved for essentials, adding that the state wants to ensure dollars are “channeled to the intended purposes of the program.”

A larger shift looms. Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, the federal share of SNAP administrative costs will fall from 50% to 25%, raising the state and local share to 75%.

According to data cited by Jacksonville Today, more than 21,000 Duval County public school students live in households receiving SNAP benefits, a decline from roughly 23,000 in October 2025.

Mandarin schools outside free-lunch umbrella

Mandarin High School, Mandarin Middle School and Mandarin Oaks Elementary are among 37 Duval County schools that do not participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision, meaning families there must apply separately for free or reduced-price meal assistance.

The Duval County School Board also voted to raise student lunch prices by 10 cents, bringing the cost to $4.10 for elementary students and $4.35 for middle and high school students. Breakfast remains free for all students.

Feeding Northeast Florida partners with more than 420 organizations across 12 counties, and the holiday season is the organization’s busiest period. King said the nonprofit is focused on fundraising and public awareness heading into fall.

Upcoming

Feeding Northeast Florida distributes food through its partner network, including the Chet’s Creek Church Southside Campus at 6625 Terry Road. Residents can find distribution schedules and volunteer opportunities at feedingnefl.org.