November 7, 2025 — As the Federal Government shutdown continues to delay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Flagler County is stepping up to ensure no one in the community goes hungry.
Earlier today, Flagler Broadcasting’s 4th Annual Food-A-Thon raised over $80,000 during a four-hour live radio broadcast — a powerful show of local generosity in a time of need. The Food-A-Thon, which supports the Grace Community Food Pantry, aims to reach a $100,000 goal to help feed local families.
Hosted by Flagler Broadcasting President & CEO David Ayres and VP of Sales and Events Kirk Keller, the event aired across all four local stations — WNZF, Beach 92.7, KOOL 100.9, and KIX Country 98.7 — and drew participation from more than 100 local businesses, residents, charities, and officials throughout the day.
Notable contributions included Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly’s $5,000 donation, humorously “courtesy of local drug dealers residing at the Green Roof Inn.” The United Way of Volusia-Flagler presented a $6,000 check, and Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris offered a personal $3,000 contribution.
Flagler County employees and commissioners also “passed the hat,” collecting $3,610 for the cause.
“We didn’t quite make our goal… YET,” said Grace Community Food Pantry Coordinator Dottie Colletta, who expressed optimism that the community’s continued generosity would help reach the $100,000 target.
Meanwhile, recognizing the broader food insecurity crisis caused by the SNAP benefit freeze, Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito approved an emergency allocation of $50,000 from the county’s pooled expenditures budget to bolster local food bank operations. The action, taken under the Administrator’s authority to commit up to $100,000 without prior Board approval, will be presented for reimbursement from general fund reserves at the November 17 Board of County Commissioners meeting.
According to the Flagler County Department of Health, approximately 11,447 residents — or 7.4% of all households — rely on SNAP benefits. With those benefits temporarily suspended, the county’s funding ensures immediate access to food assistance for vulnerable residents.
“One of the core priorities of our strategic plan is public health and safety,” said County Administrator Petito. “This emergency response reflects Flagler County’s compassion and commitment to helping our neighbors in need. I’m proud of our team’s generosity and proud to stand behind this funding decision.”
Flagler County officials emphasized that they will continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to take further steps to protect residents’ well-being.
Why it matters:
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SNAP delays mean some families may have to skip meals or turn to food banks for the first time.
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Local food banks are stretched thin and need immediate support to meet demand.
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This emergency funding ensures that help is available right now — not weeks from now.
Community members can still support the effort by donating to the Grace Community Food Pantry at www.GraceCommunityFoodPantry.org or by contacting Dottie Colletta directly at 386-931-7085.
