I'm Jessica, a proud Floridian, a mother, and a taxpayer. After years of diligently contributing to the system, I now find myself relying on SNAP benefits to provide for my children. Yet, I'm disheartened to learn that Florida is planning to restrict our freedom to choose what food we can buy with EBT starting in 2026.

These changes are personal to me. I've worked tirelessly, even before I was old enough to be officially on a job payroll, and it's deeply upsetting that now, when I need assistance, I'm being told what food I can and cannot buy for my family. I've paid taxes for years—into social security, Medicare, and other state and federal programs—only to be treated unfairly now that I'm receiving food assistance. It's heart-wrenching to think about having to tell my daughter she can't have a birthday cake because of these restrictive policies. Food is more than mere sustenance; it is integral to our memories, traditions, and expressions of love. No child should have to face such restrictions or feel deprived of these simple joys.

The politicians who design these policies seldom understand the real struggles that families like mine endure daily. What seems like a minor policy change to them translates into significant hardships for people like us who are trying to make ends meet. Food insecurity is a real issue that requires empathy and solutions that honor the dignity of every person, rather than penalizing them for needing help.

We urge Florida lawmakers to reconsider these changes and allow families to maintain their rights to choose the foods that best support their nutritional and emotional needs. Restricting our choices only exacerbates the challenges of food insecurity and strips away the dignity of resourceful parenting.

Please join me in standing up for the rights of Florida families. Sign this petition to protect our ability to choose nutritious, beloved foods for our households and preserve the cherished memories and traditions that food brings to our lives.