Despite the government reopening, leaders of regional food banks say they don't expect demand to slow anytime soon.

Federal lawmakers reached a deal to reopen the government Wednesday night. But several Head Start locations across the Tampa Bay region have already closed and sent staff home.

United Way Suncoast recently distributed $350,000 to 24 community partners across the Tampa Bay region.

Federal lawmakers passed changes to work requirements for SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as part of the Big, Beautiful Bill Act this year.

Earlier this month, Florida lawmakers learned that the state had a 15% error rate in 2024, which will soon cost the state roughly $1 billion a year.

Tierra Carter answers the 1-800 phone line for the Social Security Administration. She says the shutdown is taking a toll on her finances and peace of mind.

SNAP recipients should receive their benefits in October. The White House also pledged to keep WIC operational using tariff revenues.

It was one of several policy recommendations discussed by housing experts at a recent Debate-A-Bull speaker event at the University of South Florida.

Local charities are stepping in to fill the gaps during the government shutdown.

As of Sept. 30, you'll need a bank account to access most federal payments, like Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, veterans' benefits and tax refunds.

The county received $210 million in Community Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds for long-term recovery efforts following last year's hurricanes.

The state allocated $38 million to the Farmers Feeding Florida program. The new statewide initiative helps food banks distribute surplus and discounted farm products to families in need.