The shelves at The LJD Jewish Family and Community Services food pantry are far from empty — and that’s by design.

“Our shelves aren’t bare; we keep them stocked because we know the need is out there,” said Marilyn Darius, the organization’s Financial and Food Pantry Assistant Manager.

That need is growing. With the federal government shutdown and recent changes to SNAP benefits, more Jacksonville families are turning to food pantries for help.

Darius said the pantry is open to anyone in the city, no matter their ZIP code or income level.

According to Feeding Northeast Florida, more than 300,000 people are expected to rely on food pantries this year. Darius said her team is already feeling the impact.

“We have already seen 240 people in our pantry — that’s a pretty high number for us,

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