- December 14, 2025
Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito has approved an emergency allocation of $50,000 to local food bank operations in response to the temporary freeze on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
The funds come from the county’s pooled expenditures budget and Petito, as the county administrator has the authority to commit up to $100,000 without prior approval from the Flagler County Commission. However, at the Nov. 17 board meeting, the Petito will seek the board's approval to reimburse the $50,000 from the county’s general fund reserves, a county press release said.
In October, The Trump administration warned funding for SNAP benefits would run out on Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown. But two federal judges ruled on Oct. 31 that freezing funding for the program was “unlawful,” according to an NPR news article.
The Trump administration then said half the normal benefits would be funded, but another judge has since ordered the administration to fully-fund the November SNAP benefits.
According to the Flagler Department of Health, approximately 11,447 residents, or 7.4% of all Flagler County households, receive SNAP benefits, the press release said. With those benefits temporarily frozen, the county’s action aims to ensure continued access to food for vulnerable families and individuals.
The delay in SNAP benefits mean families may have to skip meals or got to food banks and local food banks are stretched thin. The funding will ensures help is available right away, the press release said.
Flagler County employees and commissioners also contributed $3,610 to the WNZF Food-A-Thon today, demonstrating a united front in supporting local hunger relief efforts.
“One of the core priorities of our strategic plan is public health and safety,” said County Administrator Petito. “This emergency response reflects Flagler County’s compassion and commitment to helping our neighbors in need. I’m proud of our team’s generosity and proud to stand behind this funding decision.”
During the Food-A-Thon livestream, Petito said she had a list of five or six food banks that were in Flagler County.
Commissioner Kim Carney said during the Food-A-Thon Petito called the commissioners individually the night before to ask for consensus from the board.
"We hope to help all of the food banks in Flagler County with this $50,000 donation," Carney said.
Flagler County will continue to monitor the situation and remain prepared to take further action to protect the well-being of its residents.
