Photographer’s Food Drive Fills Gap as SNAP Benefits Face Uncertainty
A Bay Area photographer has stepped in to support families facing food insecurity as SNAP benefits hang in the balance. Elizabeth Dugan turned her South Tampa studio into a donation hub after hearing concerns from parents struggling to feed their children.
The initiative has already drawn a flood of donations, with locals rallying to help neighbours in need.
The food drive began after two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to keep SNAP benefits running past their November 1 cutoff. The government shutdown had left many families uncertain about their next meal.
Candace Durley, a mother of four, was among those worried about feeding her children. With her benefits at risk, she had few options until Dugan’s drive provided relief. Since opening at 2 pm, the studio has seen non-stop donations from the community.
Dugan doesn’t just collect supplies—she personally delivers them to families across the area. The effort has done more than provide food; it has brought people together, linking donors with those who need help most.
Interviews with Durley and Dugan revealed how the crisis pushed locals to act. While SNAP’s future remains unclear, the drive ensures no family goes hungry in the meantime.
The food drive has filled a critical gap for families like Durley’s, offering both supplies and reassurance. With SNAP benefits still unstable, the community’s response shows how grassroots efforts can make a real difference. Dugan’s initiative continues to grow, proving that even in uncertainty, help is within reach.
