As Thanksgiving approaches, thousands of Central Florida families are bracing for the holiday with empty cupboards and little hope for relief, as the federal government’s shutdown of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stretches into a second week, leaving many anxious and local food pantries overwhelmed.

Kennedy Space Center's star-studded culinary experience, "Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef," returns on November 15th, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the International Space Station with a showcase of international cuisine. The event brings together renowned chefs and NASA astronauts for a unique fusion of culinary arts and space exploration.

This week, Publix has revealed what customers can get their hands on for the holidays — without paying a dime.

The Destiny’s inaugural sailing departs Nov. 20, showcasing a Disney heroes and villains theme on four- and five-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises.

Last week, over a dozen restaurants across Central Florida were forced to close their doors after receiving a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.

The new Trader Joe’s will open on Friday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. There are about two dozen Trader Joe’s currently open in Florida.

The opening date for a “prototype” Publix store in Central Florida has finally been revealed, with some interesting features on the way for local customers.

According to Sheriff Mike Chitwood, more than 39,000 households in Volusia County rely on SNAP benefits. With recent cuts taking effect, local food banks and volunteers say the need has surged in recent weeks.

Commissioners on Thursday approved a measure to allow backyard chickens within city limits, though it comes with some caveats.

A drive-thru food giveaway happening today in Daytona Beach comes as local agencies scramble to meet the growing need.

With the pause in SNAP benefits, delayed pay for some federal workers, and rising grocery prices, food pantries across Central Florida say demand for donations is surging.

As many people in Central Florida face uncertainties surrounding benefits such as SNAP during the government shutdown, a local restaurant in Umatilla is stepping up by giving away free food to kids who need it.

Most major grocery stores in Central Florida will be closed on Thanksgiving, so for people with a preferred store, getting everything on that list is paramount. But if you’re not picky, there are a handful of stores that will be open, albeit with reduced hours.

For those who dread the annual cooking marathon, or start a new tradition, a number of Orlando-area restaurants are throwing open their doors on Turkey Day.

In Brevard County, a unique conservation effort is underway to restore the Indian River Lagoon by recycling oyster shells from local restaurants.

On Tuesday, PepsiCo Foods U.S. announced the shutdown of its Frito-Lay plant in Orlando.

Donations will be accepted on Saturday at the Sunoco Injector off NASCAR Drive at the Daytona International Speedway. The food distribution event for verified SNAP recipients will take place on Sunday.

A dozen more Central Florida restaurants were forced to close their doors last week after a visit from a health inspector — including a popular eatery in Orlando’s Mills 50 district.

The Trump Administration said Monday that it will send partial payments this month to families who rely on SNAP benefits to ensure they have enough food.

More than 420,000 Floridians use WIC, according to a 2024 USDA report — the fourth highest number in the country.

Federal funds for SNAP food stamp benefits will stop, raising concerns for millions of Americans.

Thirty days into the ongoing government shutdown, the looming expiration of SNAP benefits is causing growing concern across Central Florida.

As the government shutdown continues, federal employees are working without paychecks, and starting Nov. 1, federal SNAP benefits will not be available. If you or someone you know needs help with food donations, check out these websites to find programs near you.

Publix is opening its latest Central Florida supermarket in Palm Bay on Thursday morning, bringing yet another store to the region.

Many Florida residents have faced this problem: buying a new loaf of bread from the store, just to have it mold over within a few days.

Last week, another 11 Central Florida restaurants were forced to temporarily shut their doors after a visit from a health inspector.

With grocery prices rising and SNAP benefits set to end on Nov. 1, knowing how long your food can last is as important as ever.

Every state has its own claim to dessert fame, from classic pies to inventive confections that capture local flavors. But how well do you really know America's sweetest specialties?

Florida has notified people who depend on federal nutrition assistance that if the government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits will not be issued.

Carina Patterson says she applied for SNAP benefits last month to feed her family, but due to the government shutdown, her application is in limbo.

This week, executives from The Ardent Companies shared new details about the future of the mall, which will include plans to build an apartment building with 300 units nearby.

On Thursday night, the Central Florida chain has announced it’s closing one of its locations — the one in Orlando’s MetroWest neighborhood.

We’re now hearing the emergency call to Orange County Fire Rescue after part of Flyer’s Wings and Grill in Pine Hills collapsed on Dajah Stover and her 2-year-old daughter earlier this month.

They're big, juicy, tasty—and if they're loaded with bacon, condiments, and cheese, all the better. It's no surprise that burgers are one of America's most popular foods, with diners eating three burgers on average every month, mostly from fast-food chains.

Last week, another 18 Central Florida eateries were forced to close down after a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.

SeaWorld Orlando will be shining bright this holiday season, with millions of lights and more decorations than ever before.

Austin's Coffee is leaving its longtime home and moving down the road as Winter Park uses the land to ease traffic congestion on Fairbanks Avenue.

A study that upended medical practice by recommending feeding babies peanut products early to prevent allergies has had a big effect in the real world.

Just in time for the highly-anticipated Universal Pictures film “Wicked: For Good,” a brand-new overlay will don the Wicked: The Experience, launching Oct. 31.

The opening date for a “prototype” Publix store in Central Florida has finally been revealed, with some interesting features on the way for local customers.

In Osceola County, some local food pantries are seeing a marked increase in demand as the ongoing government shutdown places many employees in precarious financial positions. With food prices rising, residents who have lost paychecks are turning to community assistance programs to get by.

Six separate eateries across Central Florida were forced to shut their doors last week following a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.

One day, psychologist Brian Pilecki watched one of his patients travel back in time.

For the seventh year in a row, Forbes has released its list of the best employers in the country — and Florida in particular.

Last week, a dozen more eateries across Central Florida were told to close temporarily after a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.

In a statement to News 6 on Wednesday, Publix officials said that the practice will be permitted following a landmark court ruling last month.

The iconic restaurant chain Chi-Chi’s is making a comeback.

Publix has announced two new stores will be coming to Central Florida later this month, along with a free tasting event at all stores statewide.

Central Florida’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebration brings authentic German culture, cuisine, and entertainment to Casselberry for its 62nd year.

If you've driven down U.S. 17-92 in Seminole County, you've probably passed Post Time Lounge and Cafe. It's been a staple in Longwood for longer than most people can remember, but the iconic restaurant and entertainment venue will be closing its doors soon.

From Oct. 3 to Nov. 16, guests are invited to embark on a delicious journey beyond the stars.

Health inspection records reveal that these restaurants suffered problems with rodents, cockroaches, time/temperature issues, and other types of violations.

Hypertension has been an established heart disease risk factor for decades.

Volunteers with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida set out to pack more than 100,000 boxes of food in a single day.

Publix announced plans for yet another free tasting event at its stores this weekend to help showcase some of its products.

Hundreds lined up in Orlando on Thursday for the grand opening of Florida’s first H Mart. The Asian supermarket has a significant “cult following,” and the location at 7501 W. Colonial Drive is one of H Mart’s largest.

WalletHub has released its ranking of the U.S. cities where people are spending the most — and least — on fast food.

What's the first thing you think about in the morning? Breakfast, quite literally, is when you break your fast—because of all those hours overnight that you go without eating.

This week, a Central Florida lawmaker announced his proposal to phase out property taxes statewide — and without leaving schools in the lurch.

Last week, 10 more Central Florida restaurants were forced to shut down — at least for a while — following local health inspections, according to state records.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is proposing to remove the food dye Orange B from the U.S. food supply.

A new Publix store is coming to Central Florida next week, according to a spokeswoman for the company.

On the second Friday of every month, Lake Concord Park comes alive with food, music and art at Casselberry Food Trucks.

For the 12th year in a row, Florida’s native grocery chain Publix was named among the best workplaces in retail as part of Fortune’s annual ranking.

This month, the New York Times has released its list of the top 50 restaurants in 2025.

A devastating parasite in Florida’s history is slowly creeping back toward the Sunshine State.

After an explosion of growth in the craft beer industry, the market is undergoing a shift, causing beer lovers to stay alert to keep track of their favorites.

The study examines over 180 of America’s most populated cities to determine which cities score best on factors like diets and fitness.

Fans may be excited to learn that Trader Joe’s is planning to open up several new stores — including one here in Central Florida.

Last week, 13 more Central Florida restaurants were forced to close temporarily after a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.

This month, National Geographic released a report on what might be the most interesting neighborhood in the Sunshine State.

Instacart compiled data on the popularity of pumpkin spice in Florida

Publix announced plans for yet another free tasting event at its stores this weekend to help showcase some of its products.

Running a business in a time of high economic uncertainty isn't easy, but one Central Florida man seems to have it all figured out.

McDonald’s is criticizing the restaurant industry for allowing tipped wages, which let managers pay servers less than the minimum wage as long as customer tips make up the difference.

More companies are recalling tens of thousands of packages of imported shrimp that may contain radioactive contamination.

A new Publix store is coming to Central Florida next month, according to the Florida-native grocery chain.

Last week, six more Central Florida restaurants were forced to close temporarily after a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.

Cravers, start your engines. Daytona Beach will soon be the newest White Castle location in Florida.

When it comes to Florida, fruits like oranges and pineapples may be the first things that come to mind. But that may not be the case forever.

Yet another new Buc-ee’s location may be in the works for Florida, according to property records obtained by News 6.

A university in Texas recently announced a first-of-its-kind agreement to bring more than 45 of Buc-ee’s products to its campus.

From backyard boils with tables full of crawfish to the larger-than-life pots of spicy Jambalaya simmering over an open flame, Cajun food is definitely one that leaves your mouth happy and your system full of flavor.

Volunteers packed the Central Florida Fairgrounds, where rows and rows of tables were full of packing supplies to help prepare 1 million meals for people dealing with food insecurity in Central Florida.

The Beak and Barrel, a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, offers guests more than just drinks. It’s an immersive social experience for families and friends.

Napa Valley isn’t the only travel destination in the United States for a good glass of wine.

Florida is in the midst of hurricane season, and for many, that means it’s time for cakes. “Hurricane Cakes,” to be specific.

A New Smyrna Beach dairy farm was named in a lawsuit filed by a woman who claims she lost her fetus after falling ill while caring for her toddler who became sick after drinking raw, unpasteurized milk.

An invasive pest is slowly expanding throughout the country — and Florida may soon be in its crosshairs.

Running Aug. 28 to Nov. 22, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is a showcase of global marketplaces, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Florida is now one of six states moving to ban sugary junk food items from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) benefits starting next year, according to News 6 partner News4JAX.

Set to a Pirates of the Caribbean theme, The Beak and Barrel will welcome landlubbers later this month.

Last week, over a dozen more Central Florida restaurants were forced to close — at least temporarily — over concerns brought by health inspectors, according to the Florida DBPR.

During the event, customers can get their hands on free samples of goods sold in Publix stores.

Energy drinks that mistakenly contain vodka are being recalled in more than a half dozen states.

Many customers are no longer interested in classic white tablecloths and 16-ounce New York strips; these days, it's all about cutting-edge culinary experiences.

Last week, over a dozen more Central Florida restaurants were forced to close — at least temporarily — over concerns brought by health inspectors, according to the Florida DBPR.

West Coast fast food company Jack in the Box has been teasing its entry into the Central Florida market since 2022. Now it appears construction is set to begin at a location in Orlando.

He was introduced over three decades ago to represent the ever-popular Florida-born grocery chain.

Bourbon Steak is part of Mina’s group of restaurants located in major cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., Miami, and Nashville. The Central Florida location adds to this prestigious lineup.