(This story was updated to add new information)
Last week, two federal judges stepped in to make sure SNAP benefits continue during the government shutdown. The Trump administration responded on November 3, announcing it would release partial payments — covering about half of eligible households’ usual SNAP allotments.
Even with this partial relief, millions of families are still feeling the pinch. Across the U.S., over 42 million people rely on SNAP for their next meal, and here in Jacksonville, 14.4% of households rely on SNAP, according to the 2024 Urban Health Alliance report. That’s a lot of neighbors who may be worrying about how to put food on the table.
As the federal government shutdown continues to cause uncertainty for families relying on federal paychecks or food assistance, the Riverside Arts Market in Jacksonville is stepping up to help neighbors weather the storm and ensure local families can still bring home fresh, healthy, locally sourced food — while keeping small farmers and artisans supported during a challenging time.
Thanks to a $100,000 donation from The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic, RAM is providing $40 in “RAM Tokens” each market day in November to SNAP/EBT recipients, active-duty military families, furloughed federal workers, and anyone who simply says they need help.
Here’s how SNAP recipients can get local community assistance from the Riverside Arts Market and how the program is being funded.
Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic gifts $100,000 donation to the Riverside Arts Market (RAM)
On Thursday afternoon, November 6, the Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic presented a $100,000 donation to the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) to help fight food insecurity during the government shutdown. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and District 7 Councilman Jimmy Peluso joined the celebration of this generous contribution.
The funding will support a new, standalone program—separate from SNAP—that provides $40 in food tokens each Saturday at RAM during the shutdown to individuals in need of assistance.
Pajcic & Pajcic had previously given $20,000 for the program, which was soft launched at RAM on Saturday, Nov. 1. However, due to an overwhelming response that resulted in nearly three times more recipients than the average number of SNAP shoppers during a typical Saturday at RAM, Pajcic & Pajcic came forward with an additional $80,000 to further fund the program.
How does getting the $40 RAM Tokens for free food work?
The program does not regulate a one-and-done redemption; shoppers are welcome to collect $40 in tokens each Saturday during the shutdown by visiting the RAM information booth, next to Farmer’s Row, during operating hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine The generosity of the Pajcic & Pajcic gift will allow RAM to continue iterations of the program even after the federal government reopens.
How to get access to free food in Jacksonville at Riverside Arts Market. What’s the value of RAM Tokens?
To get assistance, you just need to visit the RAM Information Booth (next to Farmer’s Row), and you will receive $40 in RAM Tokens each market day for every Saturday in November.
Who is eligible to get RAM tokens?
According to RAM organizers, the following recipients all qualify for help:
If you still have SNAP, it still works. Here’s how to make the most of it and how to use it at RAM
When is the Riverside Arts Market giving RAM tokens for food aid?
According to a press release and their social media post, RAM is open and will be helping anyone experiencing food insecurity, “every Saturday in November, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., rain or shine.”
How much help can individuals get, and what can the RAM tokens be used on?
Individuals can get up to $40 in RAM Tokens per household per market day. Tokens can be spent with any RAM vendor and can be redeemed as usual by vendors through the standard RAM settlement process.
This initiative keeps families fed and ensures the $2,000+ in weekly sales SNAP customers normally provide continues to circulate among our farmers, bakers, and local makers.
Are there any requirements to be eligible to receive RAM tokens?
No ID is required, just a verbal request. Just go to the RAM Information Booth (next to Farmer’s Row).
How can you donate to RAM to help support SNAP recipients or those affected by the government shutdown?
If you are a shopper looking for ways to support your neighbors in the community, here are some ways you can help:
More about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at RAM
This is not the first time RAM has demonstrated its commitment to addressing food insecurity in the community. According to its website, “RAM farmers and bakers also welcome Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients by accepting EBT and WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Coupons (farmers only).”
In addition, RAM partners with Feeding Florida’s Fresh Access Bucks Program, which provides an EBT incentive that matches SNAP purchases dollar for dollar on market days. To learn more about shopping the market with SNAP benefits, visit RAM every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or visit Feeding Florida.
So whether you’re a regular SNAP user, a federal employee affected by the furlough, or a neighbor who’s feeling the financial strain, RAM invites you to come out, enjoy the community, and get the help you need — no questions asked.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Riverside Arts Market giving $40 in tokens to SNAP recipients every Saturday in November
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
