SNAP benefit changes have continued since last week’s e-blast. Here’s what you need to know:

• On Friday, two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to continue funding SNAP throughout the government shutdown
• Here in Pennsylvania, Governor Shapiro on Friday announced $5 million in state funds will be distributed to select food pantries by Feeding Pennsylvania, to help offset the significant increase in demand for food assistance the SNAP freeze will cause. He also raised over $1 million in private donations to support food pantries.
• On Monday, the Trump administration told the federal judges that he would disperse only partial SNAP payments. Recipients were told to expect roughly half of what they usually receive.
• On Wednesday, the USDA announced that it would cover around 65% of a person’s usual SNAP payment.

While it’s good news that recipients can expect at least some SNAP funds and that funds have started releasing, this journey has been frustrating.

I’m just as frustrated as you are, and I want you to know that my office is here to stand with you through the uncertainty caused by these political games. You deserve better than to be treated as a pawn in the games being played in Washington. To us, each of you is a vibrant and important part of our community.

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 8, my office is hosting our Annual Winter Resource Fair at our Barclay Square office from 10 a.m. to noon. You’re invited to connect with community partners, access resources, and receive support for food assistance, housing, utilities, healthcare, and more. We’ll also have information on issues that arise during the winter months, such as weatherization and home heating, and there will be free coats, socks, and gloves available while supplies last.

We’re also still collecting nonperishable food items, diapers, and menstrual products at our office to be distributed to neighbors in need through local food pantry partners. You can drop off donations during the Winter Resource Fair or during our regular office hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I can’t fix the ongoing problems caused by the federal government shutdown, but I can be here for you, in the present moment. Delaware County has always been a resilient and compassionate community, and in times like these, I know we can make it through if we lean on each other.

With gratitude,

Gina H. Curry

Last week in Harrisburg, my colleague Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and I introduced HR 337, a resolution designating the week of November 17–21 as 'Pennsylvania Education for Youth Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week' and November 21 as 'Red Shirt Day' in Pennsylvania.

We introduced this resolution to raise awareness of the more than 50,000 students in Pennsylvania schools identified as experiencing homelessness and the significant lack of support resources available to them. We want more schools, communities, and individuals to develop and support programs that help these children complete their education and improve their chances of finding safe and stable shelter.

We return to Harrisburg for session November 17–19, and on Tuesday we’ll hold a news conference and Fireside Chat to discuss the sharp rise in students experiencing homelessness, as well as potential strategies and initiatives to better support them. If you or someone you know would like to attend, please contact my office.

The federal government shutdown caused the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to delay the opening of its application season due to a lack of funds. The program is now expected to open on Dec. 3, but in the meantime, some families may struggle to pay for heat-related utilities.

Members of the House went to the Public Utilities Commission and urged them to pause service shutoffs for nonpayment. On Nov. 5, all of Pennsylvania’s public utility companies committed to not shut off heat or electricity for LIHEAP-eligible households during November.

However, to prevent shutoffs, PGW and PECO customers must apply for their customers assistance programs.

• PGW customers must be in the Customer Responsibility Program and can enroll by calling 215-235-1000.
• PECO customers must be enrolled in the Customer Assistance Program and can call 1-800-774-7040 for help with their application. 

Last week, I was invited to speak with a local Girl Scout Brownie Troop as they work on their Democracy for Brownies badge. I attended their most recent meeting to talk with the girls about how state government works and the role of the legislative branch. When they complete the badge, they will have a thorough understanding of our local, state, and federal governments, and how to be active citizens.

I have a lot of love in my heart for my alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University, and this week I was invited to participate on a panel for their Lead On: A Celebration of Alumnae Leadership program. I was joined by the visionary behind this entire project from its inception, Alumna Mary Lou Quinlan, as well as current students and other alumni from various years.

Anchor Tamala Edwards (pictured with me above) led us through our discussion, where we talked about our hopes and aspirations, the realities facing young women in the workplace, and the role of mentors in our successes. I was honored to participate, share my story, and support the women of SJU. The highlight of the evening was when President McConnell and Mary Lou Quinlan announced the creation of The Alumnae Center for Leadership at Saint Joseph’s University. I am excited for the future of this alumnae initiative, both for our current SJU community and for those who will join in the years to come.

Saturday, November 8 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Annual Winter Resource Fair

Rep. Curry’s District Office, 1500 Garrett Rd., Upper Darby

Saturday, November 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Elev8 Health Thrive Tour for Expecting and New Moms

Esperanza Health Center Gym

3222 H Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133

Saturday, November 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lansdowne Thanksgiving Food Giveaway

30 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne

Ongoing

Holiday Book Drive 2025 by Delco Book Bank and Murphy’s Giving Market

Drop off locations include

• Office of Rep. Gina Curry, 1500 Garrett Rd., Upper Darb
• Office of Rep. Heather Boyd, 6 S. Springfield Rd., Clifton Heights
• Moore Books, 28 West Eagle Rd., Havertown

Want to stay up to date on all my happenings in Harrisburg, the 164th Legislative District and beyond? Or do you want to get the latest info on our events and office hours? Make sure to follow me on all my social pages using the icons below! 

If you need assistance with any state-related issue, you can reach out to my office.
 

Thank you for letting our team proudly serve you, your families, and the stakeholders in the 164th in East Lansdowne, Lansdowne, Milbourne, and Upper Darby. 

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates and events happening in Harrisburg and the 164th! 

Sincerely,

Pennsylvania State Capitol

25-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4907

District Office

1500 Garrett Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 259-7016