As of November 3, Pennsylvania residents have not received, and will not receive, their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supplements for November as the government shutdown continues. There is no immediate pathway open to get the funds flowing again. President Trump has said he will use emergency money to partially fund the program after a federal judge’s recent order, but weeks or months could pass before funds can reach those in need.
This means almost two million people who rely on SNAP to feed a total of over 713,000 children and 697,000 older adults across the country are now in an emergency state of food insecurity. With Thanksgiving coming later this month, the thought of all the families who may not even have a turkey for their table hits hard.
Whether you’re one of these residents who is in need of a little help or someone wishing to lend a hand, there are establishments and organizations throughout Western Pennsylvania working to ensure no one goes hungry.
Supporting these organizations with donations and volunteering is vital during this time of crisis. TABLE encourages you to be as generous as you can this holiday season.
Food Resources Around Western Pennsylvania for Assistance and Volunteering
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Even though the Great Pittsburgh Community Food Bank helps citizens year-round, they’re working as hard as they can to address the current crisis. However, in a recent statement they remind us that “…the charitable food network was not designed to replace federal food assistance.” Nevertheless, their online tool can help you find what food resources best help you based on your current needs and other factors. You can also get involved through various options like volunteering, running a food drive, advocating, partnering, and so much more.
Freestore Wilkinsburg
The Freestore in Wilkinsburg usually houses products for families such as clothing, housewares, toiletries, books, small appliances, accessories, and special items for children. But, on Friday, November 7 you can attend their Fresh Market that provides produce to those who need it. Volunteers can lend a hand with stocking, fresh market distribution, and Saturday store openings.
Harvest of Hope Pittsburgh Inc
Are you not sure how you’re going to get a Thanksgiving meal on the table? Harvest of Hope Pittsburgh Inc is currently taking sign ups through November 7 to receive a prepared meal on Thanksgiving morning. All you need to do is email harvestofhopepgh@gmail.com with your name, address, phone number, and number of family members who will need a heat-and-serve meal. No eligibility requirements or explanations needed.
412 Food Rescue
Not only does 412 Food Rescue provide ingredients to fight hunger, they also combat food waste at the same time. This organization works with a team of supporters who ensure food gets to where it’s needed. You can download their app to volunteer for food rescue notifications that will let you know when and where you can help. Simply pick an option that works for you and in just 30 minutes you can pick up fresh food and deliver it to a nonprofit serving the neighborhoods or a personal home. As a special program this year, you can also buy and donate a pie to 412 Food Rescue through Third Space Bakery’s Pie for a Neighbor program.
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
Those who are in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Green, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties are able to use two different resources from the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. The first is Emergency Food Assistance that allows families to use an emergency pantry one-a-year and then connects them with other neighborhood pantries and facilities. There’s also the Food for Early Development program to give baby formula and soft foods to moms and dads who do not receive WIC benefits.
Westmoreland Food Bank
This food bank knows you can’t thrive when you’re hungry and that nutrition is just as important as the quantity of ingredients. Anyone in Westmoreland County can get connected to a food pantry nearby, receive a monthly food box full of produce, pantry items, and proteins, or even get assistance applying for other resources. If you’re looking to be a part of their volunteer team you can either pack food boxes, help with food drives, assist with fresh produce distribution, pick produce at local farms, deliver boxes to seniors, sort the warehouse, or even help with mailings and data entry. Plus you can donate to make a simple, easy difference as well.
JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
Those who meet income eligibility requirements even outside of the 15217 area code can receive fresh food through Pittsburgh’s Jewish Family and Community Services. Whether you need one-time assistance or recurring packages, you can get a bag of food to match your family’s dietary requirements. This means those with kosher family members can get what they need on top of regular non-perishables, fresh produce, meat, poultry, hygiene products, and at times, pet food.
Lelulo’s Pizzeria
Over in Plum, Lelulo’s is taking hunger into their own hands by creating a distribution hub in their own restaurant. Currently, you can drop off eggs, milk, butter, bread, cheese, deli meats, frozens, pasta, cereal, and more. Then, Lelulo’s sets up all the donations they receive for anyone to come in and take what they need. There are essentials available as well as treats, heat and serve homemade meals, and other items. Check out their Facebook page linked above for information on what donations and volunteers are needed as well as when you can stop by for distribution.
Allison Park Church Food Banks
In Hampton, Butler, and North Side the Allison Park Church Food Banks through Network of Hope host giveaways of groceries twice each month. The North Side food bank operates at 3035 Perrysville Avenue on the first and third Tuesday of the month, Butler operates at the Clearview Mall every other Wednesday, and Hampton operates at 2326 Duncan Avenue on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Each location also has an individual contact you can email with any questions or to help assist with serving the public.
The Lighthouse Foundation
Produce, canned goods, meat, frozen food, and fresh bakery items line the shelves at The Lighthouse Foundation’s food pantry. Twice each month (besides once a month in December) participants can pick up two food orders. The pantry is open Monday through Thursday and accepts food donation drop offs on Thursdays and Fridays. To contribute in other ways you can join the cleaning group, food collection group, preparation team, or help on the truck route.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
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