On Tuesday, February 16th, UnidosUS convened an invite-only, virtual roundtable with more than 18 Florida-based anti-hunger policy and advocacy organizations to identify and discuss policy interventions and system changes to reduce food insecurity in the state.
Participants included Florida Impact, Florida Policy Institute, the United Ways of Broward and Central Florida Counties, Feeding Florida and its local food bank Affiliates, and the UUS Affiliates, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Latino Leadership, Inc., and Hispanic Services Council. UnidosUS presented findings from its recently released issue brief on food insecurity in Florida Hispanic children and families. Participants identified and discussed specific policy solutions to address hunger in Florida, including permanently eliminating SNAP work requirements and time limits, extending Pandemic EBT beyond the COVID-19 crisis, and increasing both the SNAP minimum and maximum allotment of benefits. In addition, participants provided examples of community partnerships between schools, churches, food banks, community-based nonprofit organizations, and Florida state agencies that are working to ensure children and families eligible for food assistance are able to receive healthy food.
