The city of St. Petersburg is donating $20,000 to the St. Pete Free Clinic to help feed residents and federal employees affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The donation comes as the shutdown threatens suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting Nov. 1.

Mayor Ken Welch announced the contribution Thursday, saying the funds will allow the clinic to serve about 3,200 additional clients in November. The funds would be drawn from the city’s Social Services Contingency and Office of Community Impact accounts.

“With the ongoing federal government shutdown, my administration is deeply concerned for residents who may lose access to food and federal employees working without pay,” Welch said in a statement.

The city is also offerin

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