TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Feeding Tampa Bay is bracing for an increase in demand as sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, take effect.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , nearly three million Floridians receive SNAP benefits, with more than 250,000 of them in the Tampa Bay area. Florida’s plan to drop school vaccine rule won’t start for 90 days, won’t cover all diseases

Starting in January 2026, recipients in Florida and other select states will no longer be able to purchase junk food with their benefits.

The federal work requirement is also expanding — now applying to able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64, who must prove they work, volunteer, or attend training for 20 hours a week.

Parents with children under 14 are exempt, compared

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