Nonprofit Delivering Food Bags to Local Schools

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Food pantries across the Florida Panhandle are struggling as the government shutdown drags on. Even if the House passes a bill today, families could wait weeks for paychecks or benefits to resume. That's where "Food Raising Friends" is stepping in. The nonprofit is delivering nearly a thousand Thanksgiving bags to 26 schools across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties Wednesday—enough to feed at least 4,000 people for up to six days. They've seen requests jump dramatically this year, from 700 bags to over 1,100. With SNAP benefits frozen for November and food costs rising, the need is growing. The group is now asking for donations—especially canned chicken and vegetables—to start packing Christmas bags.