Funding for SNAP benefits is expected to lapse starting Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown, leaving many families without access to food.

Now, local businesses are stepping up to help.

In Safety Harbor, this restaurant called Gigglewaters jump started the effort to feed the community.

"The situation is complicated, feeding a hungry kid isn't, and that's what I'm focused on," said Rachel Wilson, who owns Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor.

Wilson said making the decision to help families was a no-brainer.

"We're just going to take it as we get it, and I'm going to make sure we have enough," she said.

Wilson posted on Facebook about the restaurant's new effort to make sure children don't go hungry, as funding for SNAP benefits are expected to lapse starting tomorrow.

"You keep trying to

See Full Page