JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Even as the federal government works to restore SNAP benefits, families across the First Coast are still struggling to keep food on the table.

To help fill that gap, Bethel Church near Downtown Jacksonville has opened what it calls the “SNAP Store,” which stands for 'Showing Neighborly Acts of Provision.'

The outreach program, launched this week by Lead Pastor Rudolph McKissick Jr., is designed to help families impacted by the recent government shutdown and ongoing SNAP delays.

“There are so many people who are in need,” McKissick Jr. said. “Even though those benefits may be coming back, we know they’ll be slow to return.”

The church hosts the store every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and turnout has been strong. McKissick said more than 300 peo

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