Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with local partners to host a SNAP food drive this weekend aimed at helping families affected by recent cuts and delays to food stamp funding.
According to the sheriff’s office, about 38,000 households in Volusia County rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including working families, seniors, disabled adults, veterans, and children. The government shutdown impacted SNAP benefits, prompting a community response.
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Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Sunoco Injector off NASCAR Drive at the Daytona International Speedway.
The food distribution event for verified SNAP recipients will take place at the same location from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
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“I think when you look at the chief’s job and my job, yeah, it’s to go out and lock up the bad guys, but on the same token, you want to have a positive impact on your community,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. “And when you look at it, you’re talking about 39,000 households in Volusia County, over 80,000 or more individuals that are affected by this. Part of our job is to have that positive impact.”
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The food drive is a collaborative effort involving the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties, Daytona International Speedway, Walmart, and other community donors.
“I want you to know, just last week at our food bank, we saw on average about 150 households a week. We doubled the number of first-time clients last week in anticipation of the cutting off of SNAP benefits, and tomorrow we expect that number to double yet again,” said Rabbi Rob Lennick, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation for Volusia and Flagler County.
To support the cause, organizers have secured $15,000 in funding from the Volusia Sheriff’s Foundation, Volusia Sheriff’s Youth Foundation, and the Jewish Federation. Donations will also be collected at the Speedway during the Saturday drive, with an option to give online for those unable to attend.
Volunteers are welcome to assist on one or both days. Those interested should email CommunityRelations@volusiasheriff.gov and plan to arrive by 8 a.m.