Federal shutdown affects food, heating aid: resources and how to help

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara November 1, 2025

PA Representative Jennifer O'Mara's banner image

Dear Neighbor,

Due to the federal shutdown, two million Pennsylvanians will go without food aid in November, as SNAP recipients will not receive their benefits. Meanwhile, the LIHEAP heating aid program, which helps 300,000 families in our state, is now scheduled to begin on December 3, rather than the original start date of November 3. The timing couldn’t be worse—with rising costs and food banks stretched thin, many families are already struggling to make ends meet. This is the first time in decades that these benefits will be interrupted, a result of cruel decisions made by this administration in Washington.

My office has launched a Food Collection Drive to help those impacted by the federal shutdown. Through November 21, we will be collecting food donations to benefit local pantries. If you are able, please consider bringing donations to my office at 26 E. Fourth St. in Media. As someone who has personally experienced food insecurity, it is deeply important to me that we use our resources to support our friends and neighbors during this time of great need. I appreciate that Gov. Shapiro today announced that he is releasing $5 million through an emergency declaration for food pantries. Those who need food can find a list of resources here or visit pa-navigate.org.

If you need heating assistance while LIHEAP is delayed, feel free to reach out to my office for guidance as well. You can also enroll in PECO’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) or apply for its Customer Relief Fund. I am grateful to House Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris, D-Phila, and PECO, who yesterday announced the utility will not disconnect service for residential customers who have been confirmed by PECO as low-income.

Veterans: You’re invited to my Veterans Breakfast

I deeply appreciate everything our veterans have done in service to our country. Every year, I host a Veterans Breakfast to thank them and ensure they have information about all the state services available to them. This year’s event will be held on Veterans Day, November 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Springfield Country Club.

We’ll have a free breakfast, a brief program, and information about veterans’ services. Call my district office to register at 610-544-9878.

Election Day reminders

Pennsylvania holds municipal and judicial elections on Tuesday, so make sure you have a plan to vote. If you’ve received a mail-in ballot, they must be received by the Delco Bureau of Elections by 8 p.m. on Tuesday. If you haven’t mailed your ballot yet, it’s probably too late; the safest approach is to drop it off in person (at Delco's county election office or at an official ballot drop box) before Tuesday at 8?p.m. For questions about your polling place or other election-related information, contact the Bureau of Elections at 610-891-4673 or email DelcoElection@co.delaware.pa.us.

Also, please note that my district offices will be closed on Election Day.

Great seeing everyone at my Senior Fair

I was thrilled to see so many people turn out for my Senior Fair last week at the Springfield YMCA. I enjoyed speaking with everyone and hope you found the event helpful. I want to thank all the vendors who came out and shared vital information with our community and give a special shout-out to Wawa and WellCare for sponsoring. I’m already looking forward to doing it again next year!

Seeking donations and volunteers for Community Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving season, Media Fellowship House, along with Cedar Creek Catering, Media Food Bank, and First Church Media, is preparing to serve over 600 neighbors during our 7th Annual Community Thanksgiving Event on Saturday, November 22.

They are seeking volunteers and food donations to help ensure every plate is full. The most needed items include canned cranberry sauce, five-pound bags of russet and sweet potatoes, stuffing cubes, two-pound boxes of brown sugar, pumpkin and apple pies, and cases of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and water.

Please drop off food items by Sunday, November 16. To volunteer or learn more, visit here.

Collecting Toys for Tots this Holiday Season

My office is once again serving as a drop-off location for Toys for Tots!

Through December 7, you can bring new, unwrapped toys to 26 E. Fourth St. in Media to be donated to children in need.

Our successful shred event

I was glad to see so many people come out to our recent shred event with Sen. Tim Kearney! It was a beautiful day to securely dispose of electronics, personal documents, and old medications. A big thank you to our volunteers and the Delco District Attorney’s Office for spending their Saturday helping out!

New law creates pathway to teaching for veterans

Gov. Shapiro this week signed Act 41 of 2025, which addresses the state’s teacher shortage while giving veterans a pathway to teaching in career and technical education programs. I am proud to have co-sponsored the bi-partisan bill that allows veterans’ service experience in a specific occupational area to count toward the credits for CTE teaching certification. This law will make it easier for veterans to become educators and share their valuable hands-on skills and experience with students.

Be aware of this SNAP scam

While SNAP food benefits have been temporarily put on hold due to the federal shutdown, scammers are trying to take advantage of the situation. Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services reports that SNAP clients are receiving calls from the numbers listed below, with callers claiming that their benefits are on hold until they verify their eligibility and asking for their PIN.

1-888-239-7710

1-888-272-8720

1-888-737-6551

It’s a SCAM. DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call. If you receive any suspicious texts or calls about DHS benefits, please report them by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).

My Springfield office will be closed for Election and Veterans Day

My Springfield Mobile Office, normally open on Tuesdays at the Springfield Library, will be closed on Tuesday, November 4, for Election Day, and Tuesday, November 11, for Veterans Day. It will reopen on Tuesday, November 18, in the library’s Adult Section Quiet Room, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.