DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – With the federal government shutdown delaying SNAP benefit payments and food costs continuing to climb, food banks in Volusia County say they are seeing a significant rise in families seeking help, including many turning to food assistance for the first time.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida says the demand has intensified in recent weeks as families juggle high grocery prices, ongoing storm recovery and uncertainty surrounding federal nutrition aid.

“We’re seeing a 300% increase in families seeking assistance week over week,” said Stephanie Palacios, director of advocacy and government relations for Second Harvest. “Pantries told us their appointments are booked beyond what they’ve ever seen. It’s really the perfect storm driving families to seek assis

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