If you are a federal employee affected by the government shutdown, we have put together a list of helpful resources to support you during the furlough.
Most organizations only ask for a photo ID, while some may require additional financial information. Be sure to confirm with each organization what documentation is needed before applying.
Local Food Assistance:
NAS Jax Food Farmacy is held the 4th Tuesday of the month.
- Nov. 25, 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.
- 5391 Collins RD
Mayport Food Farmacy is held every 2nd Thursday of the month.
- Nov. 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m
- 390 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach
All active duty families with military ID are welcome to attend this event. The Food Farmacy provides a valuable opportunity for military families to receive fresh, nutritious food to support their health and wellbeing.
Feeding NorthEast Florida holds multiple food giveaways throughout the week.
You can find all of the mobile food pantry locations and times at the following link.
Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM):
Assistance with food is available for residents within our service area (32233, 32266, 32250, 32082, 32224, and 32227).
All active-duty military members are eligible to receive food assistance, regardless of zip code.
Appointments may be made seven days in advance by calling (904) 241-2326.
Clients must bring proof of residency in BEAM’s service area (lease, mortgage statement, utility bill phone bill, bank statement) and picture ID.
Crepa Community Food Giveaway:
What a great day to Give and Be Blessed!
We are delighted to serve the community EVERY SATURDAY from 9am-11am.
Join us at CREPA as we engage our community with Food Distribution at 7171 Arlington Expy.
Everyone is welcomed to receive.
We encourage you to be a blessing to others by sharing this event.
Saint Paul AME Church’s Health Smart Food Pantry:
Saint Paul AME Church’s Health Smart Food Bi-Weekly Pantry
We provide FREE FOOD to those in need every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 1:00-4:00pm or until food is gone.
Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church – 6910 New Kings Road.
Farm Share:
Farm Share, a non-profit organization, partners with Florida farmers across the state and the country to provide fresh produce and meats that might otherwise go to waste to people in need. The organization hosts food distributions throughout the area.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Palatka-76 Strong – 1100 N 19th St, Palatka
9 a.m. – 12 p.m
Friday, Nov. 7
Helping Hand Welaka – 400 4th Ave, Welaka
9 a.m. – 12 p.m
Saturday, Nov. 22
Jacksonville Thanksgiving Distribution – 101 W State St, Jacksonville
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m
Saturday, Nov. 22
Lake City Police Department – 225 NW Main Blvd, Lake City
9 a.m. – 10 a.m
Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida
Duval County residents can visit the food pantry at LSS once a month for emergency groceries but MUST RESERVE A SPOT ONLINE.
- Monday – Friday 10AM to 2Pm.
- 4615 Phillips Hwy
In addition to the food pantry LSS hosts the Jacksonville Humane Society’s pet food bank, and provides supplies based on availability.
City Rescue Mission:
City Rescue Mission is calling on the community to come together in response to the potential loss or interruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Thousands of local families and individuals rely on SNAP to put food on the table, and any disruption could leave many facing hunger.
With food insecurity already a serious challenge in Duval County, the Mission expects a significant increase in demand for meals and emergency food services since SNAP support has been paused. “When families lose SNAP, they often turn to us as their next line of support,” said Paul Stasi, Executive Director of City Rescue Mission. “We are preparing to serve more meals than ever, but we cannot do it alone. We need the help of our generous community to meet this challenge.”
The Mission is Responding
City Rescue Mission provides hot meals daily and emergency shelter services through its New Life Inn facility in downtown Jacksonville (234 W State St):
- Overnight shelter check-in begins at 3:30 p.m.
- Shelter Care Meals: 3:30p.m-4:30p.m. Sunday-Saturday
- Community Meal (for non-overnight guests):
- Sunday-Friday: 4:30–5:30 p.m. (Dinner)
- Saturday: 11:30am-12:30p.m. (Lunch)
- The Mission also provides recovery and employment programs, counseling, and basic
needs such as clothing and hygiene support for individuals and families in need.
The Mission is asking local residents, businesses, churches, and civic groups to take action
now.
Pie Heaven Bakery Café in Atlantic Beach is offering free chicken pot pies to impacted military families. The bakery posted this on social media.
‘Are you a government employee required to work workout pay during the shutdown? We have FREE chicken pot pie for you.
Just give us a ring.
904-524-7274′
State and local assistance:
Florida Reemployment Assistance: Furloughed employees may be eligible for benefits. You can apply online through FloridaJobs.org. Note that these benefits may need to be repaid once you receive back pay.
Georgia’s Department of Labor explains that furloughed federal employees may be eligible for unemployment benefits; they are considered job‑attached and need not search for work for six weeks. Benefits must be repaid if back pay is received.
Vy-Star Credit Union: For eligible members, Vy-Star offers 90-day interest-free loans, payment and mortgage deferments, and fee waivers. You can verify eligibility with a furlough letter or by showing a lack of recent direct deposit.
Navy Federal Credit Union is offering zero-interest loans through their paycheck assistance program, which will allow eligible members to borrow up to $6,000 without a fee or interest charges.
Navy Federal Credit Union members can enroll online or through the mobile app.
USAA is offering a no-interest loan during the shutdown with loans maxing out at $6,000.
Visit USAA’s website for more information.
Regions Bank FL, GA: Regions offers relief for U.S. government employees, contractors, and service members affected by the shutdown: qualified refunds of deposit-account fees (including overdrafts), a one-time penalty-free CD withdrawal, loan payment assistance and credit-card deferrals, plus a special fixed-rate unsecured personal loan under $5,000 with first payment deferred 60 days.
Florida 2-1-1 Helpline 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service connecting state residents to local health, housing, food, and emergency resources. Just dial 2-1-9.
Georgia 2-1-1 Helpline 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service connecting state residents to local health, housing, food, and emergency resources. Just dial 2-1-10.
National Assistance:
Air Force Aid Society (AFAS): AFAS is offering zero-interest loans to Airmen, Guardians, and their families affected by the 2025 government shutdown. Assistance is available for basic living expenses such as mortgage/rent, food, gas, and utilities if paycheck protection is not available from financial institutions. Loans are interest-free and repaid within 30 days after receiving back pay. Apply online at afas.org.
Army Emergency Relief (AER): Army Emergency Relief is offering zero-interest loans up to $6,000 to active-duty Soldiers and their families affected by the 2025 government shutdown. Loans are intended to bridge the gap until pay resumes, with repayment beginning on October 30, 2025. Assistance is available through the Quick Assist Program, online application, or by visiting a local AER office. Loans do not affect credit scores and are interest-free.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA): CGMA is offering interest-free loans to active-duty, reserve, and civilian Coast Guard employees affected by the 2025 government shutdown. Loans are available up to one month’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), covering essential expenses like rent, utilities, food, and childcare. Repayment begins via allotment within three months of pay reinstatement. Apply online at mycgma.org.
First Command: First Command offers a 0% APR Pay Advance Loan to eligible clients affected by the government shutdown. Clients can receive an advance equal to their normal monthly direct deposit for up to six months, with no fees or interest. Additional support includes loan assistance, penalty-free early CD withdrawals, secured lines of credit, priority processing for credit card limit increases and payment deferrals, and guidance from financial advisors.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: NMCRS is offering interest-free loans to active-duty Sailors, Marines, and their families affected by the 2025 government shutdown. Assistance covers basic living expenses such as food, gas, and utilities. Loans are available even if the service member has an existing NMCRS loan. Service members deployed or on temporary duty can complete a Pre-Authorization form for their spouse to access assistance.
Furlough Grants
FEEA: The Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) is offering eligible civilian federal employees whose salary is $59,999 or less and who’ve been furloughed or are working unpaid during a shutdown a one-time $150 grant.