As the government shutdown continues for a fifth week, JHop is stepping up to help students, staff, and their families who may be affected by the pause in federal operations.

Lawmakers have not resolved budget deadlock, causing some of the federal operations to stop and leaving many federal workers without a source of income.

One of the programs suspended by the shutdown is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or also known as SNAP. SNAP benefits give food support to those with disabilities who have mixed incomes, also families and seniors with low incomes.

JHop Principal Brittnee Scott said that the school is providing resources to students and staff who need food.

“We are working closely with out PTA, we are working on food drives and on our weekly Hopkins Happening we have placed resources and places around Pinellas County where families can go get food,” she said.

This week’s Hopkins Happenings – the school newsletter – offers a list of free meals for kids.

To see the list of resources, visit this page.