As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of all students and families, we want to share information about local food resources in light of the impending cut to SNAP benefits. Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified Pennsylvania that it will be unable to fund November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. While it is not yet clear when benefits will be issued, we understand that this may make it more difficult for some households to access groceries and other essentials.
We were notified that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is taking steps to help those who rely on SNAP and other resources by:
- Releasing $5 million in state funding immediately to Feeding Pennsylvania.
- Issuing a disaster emergency declaration to expedite the delivery of Commonwealth funds.
- Launching a private sector fundraising effort to help food banks meet the expected surge in demand, raising more than $1 million so far for the “SNAP Emergency Relief Fund.”
Nearly two million Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP benefits, including more than 713,000 children. Families who may be affected are encouraged to reach out to the organizations listed below or to explore additional resources to access food and other support.
Nearby food pantries and community organizations that offer assistance:
- Better Living Community Services
- 1205 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
- 412-241-5773
- 2nd Tuesday of each month, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- St. James Ministries Center - Food Pantry
- 723 Rebecca Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
- 412-241-1309
- Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Wilkinsburg Community Ministries
- 702 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
- 412-241-8072 | https://www.wcm15221.org
- Monday, Wednesday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Tuesday, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Chain of Hope Onsite
- 611 South Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
- 412-247-5018
- Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Citiparks Homewood
- 7321 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
- 412-244-4190
- 1st Tuesday of each month, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Sixth Mt. Zion Church - J.C. Hairston Food Pantry
- 6556 Shetland Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
- 412-441-7839
- 3rd Tuesday of each month, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Rainbow Kitchen Food Pantry
- 135 East 9th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120
- 412-464-1892 | https://www.rainbowkitchen.org
- Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- East End Cooperative Ministry Food Pantry
- 6140 Station Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- 412-345-7149 | http://www.eecm.org
- Monday - Friday, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Community Food Pantry (Jewish Family and Community Services)
- 828 Hazelwood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
- 412-421-2708 | https://www.jfcspgh.org/
- Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.; Tuesday/Thursday, 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
- The Market at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
- 1 N Linden Street, Duquesne, PA 15110
- 412-460-3663
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Additional Resources:
- PA Navigate: Help finding food and other resources
- PA 211: Local assistance
- Feeding Pennsylvania: Find local food banks and programs
- Many electric and gas companies also offer utility assistance programs for qualifying customers. Families can contact their utility companies or visit the PA PUC’s utility assistance website for more information.
- More information on the federal government shutdown and its impact on benefits is available on the PA Department of Human Services website.
We encourage families who may be affected by these changes to reach out for assistance. Our district remains committed to connecting families with resources and support whenever possible.