SOUTH FLORIDA (FNN NEWS) – As millions of Americans prepare to lose access to food assistance due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the Poverello Center, and DoorDash are joining forces to call for urgent action and provide support to vulnerable families in need.

On Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., the three partners will hold a media availability at the Poverello Center (2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305) to highlight the need for an emergency food response as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding is set to run out on November 1, leaving more than 40 million Americans—including thousands of South Florida residents—without access to critical food assistance.

DoorDash Expands Emergency Food Response Nationwide

In anticipation of the SNAP funding lapse, DoorDash has activated its Emergency Food Response initiative, providing free delivery for its Project DASH food bank and pantry partners nationwide. The initiative also includes a partnership with major grocery retailers to waive delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients.

Additionally, DoorDash will donate food from DashMart stores to local food banks, including the Poverello Center, helping ensure families have access to nutritious food during the government funding gap.

“Project DASH has been a lifeline for families and food banks across the country,” said Alyssa Betz, DoorDash’s Head of Federal Affairs. “As SNAP benefits expire, we are proud to expand our commitment to ensure communities continue to receive the support they need.”

Poverello Center’s Ongoing Impact

Since its launch in 2018, Project DASH has facilitated over 8 million deliveries, providing an estimated 135 million meals to families in need. The Poverello Center, a long-time partner of the program, has successfully completed 10,000 deliveries to local residents, helping bridge the gap for those facing food insecurity.

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick praised the partnership, emphasizing the importance of government and private sector collaboration in addressing hunger during a crisis. “No family in South Florida should go hungry because of political gridlock. Together, we are working to ensure that our most vulnerable residents have food on their tables,” she said.

Event Details:
When: Friday, October 31, 2025 – 11:00 AM
Where: Poverello Center, 2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Who:

• Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

• Representative from the Poverello Center

• Alyssa Betz, DoorDash’s Head of Federal Affairs

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Stay connected with Florida National News and the FNN News Network for ongoing coverage of the federal government shutdown and its impact on families and communities across Florida.

News@FloridaNationalNews.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is leading a multistate coalition with attorneys general from Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana to investigate several major environmental organizations for alleged antitrust violations. The coalition accuses these groups of working with major corporations to impose restrictive recycling and packaging practices that may unlawfully restrain competition and inflate consumer prices.

Environmental Groups Under Scrutiny for Market Coordination
The coalition’s inquiry focuses on the U.S. Plastics Pact, Consumer Goods Forum, and the Green Blue Institute, which have collectively pressured major corporations to adopt uniform plastic production and packaging standards. According to the coalition, these actions could limit consumer choice, increase costs, and manipulate the marketplace by dictating which materials are considered “recyclable.”

“Radical environmental activists do not have the right, nor the avenue, to suppress business operations in our market,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “We have reason to believe that the policies of these organizations are hindering states’ economic prosperity by coordinating business behavior that could violate Florida’s antitrust laws. We will not allow these activist organizations to push misguided policies that can’t win at the ballot box and that inflate prices for Florida consumers.”

Coalition Demands Transparency and Compliance
The attorneys general have sent formal letters to the targeted organizations demanding that they explain how their coordinated activities comply with state and federal antitrust laws, as well as provide documentation supporting their claims of sustainability. The coalition warns that participation in such collective action initiatives raises serious concerns about collusion, market manipulation, and consumer deception.

The ongoing inquiry will assess whether these environmental initiatives have unfairly benefited certain corporations or misled consumers regarding the costs and benefits of so-called “sustainable” packaging goals.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, a seasoned public servant with decades of law enforcement and leadership experience, has expressed strong interest in running for Florida governor.

During a recent taping of Channel 9’s Central Florida Spotlight, Demings—currently serving his second term as Orange County Mayor—shared that he is seriously considering entering the race. “I’m very interested in it,” Demings said. “I’ve made a decision, and I’ll make an announcement soon to the residents of Central Florida, as well as the residents of the state of Florida.”

A Proven Leader with Deep Florida Roots
Before becoming mayor, Jerry Demings built a distinguished career in public safety, serving as Orlando’s first African American police chief and later as Orange County Sheriff. His tenure has been marked by steady leadership through hurricanes, public health crises, and Central Florida’s continued population growth.

Known for his bipartisan leadership and focus on community safety, economic development, and affordable housing, Demings has long been viewed as a viable statewide candidate capable of bridging divides across Florida’s diverse electorate.

Political observers note that his extensive executive experience and statewide recognition position him as a credible contender for the governor’s mansion if he officially enters the race.

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