ORLANDO, Fla. — The government shutdown may be over, but the aftershocks are still hitting millions of families who rely on SNAP benefits. Advocates say the delays and confusion won’t disappear overnight.

What You Need To Know • SNAP delays from the shutdown left families choosing between groceries and basic bills • No Kid Hungry says 1 in 5 Florida children lack guaranteed meals • Heart of Florida United Way reported a 114% spike in 211 calls for food assistance • Advocates warn the surge in need may continue through the holiday season as SNAP backlogs clear

Families are now untangling weeks of missed paychecks and backlogged SNAP benefits.

“You know, you really saw families having to make really difficult choices," said Sky Beard, Florida Director of No Kid Hungry. "Having to

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