Dear Neighbor,
Tomorrow begins the fifth month without a budget in Pennsylvania, and the federal government shutdown marks its first month.
Federal SNAP cuts also begin in November, meaning that 29,283 people in Chester County alone will wake up tomorrow without food assistance. Meanwhile, critical home-heating aid under the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been delayed until December 3 due to the shutdown. WIC benefits – for babies and pregnant women – will not be paid after November 9.
Two federal judges ruled just today that the Trump administration must continue financing SNAP, the nation’s largest food assistance program, by using contingency funds during the government shutdown.
The rulings give the administration discretion over whether to provide full or partial funding for the program in November, and the rulings are likely to face appeals.
This is still not a drill. It will be a cold and hungry November for tens of thousands of struggling families in Chester County. Chances are, you already know someone whose life will become significantly more difficult under these circumstances.
In some good news, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced today that his administration is releasing $5 million in state funds to Feeding Pennsylvania for distribution through its statewide network of food banks. He also signed a disaster emergency declaration to expedite relief.
If you or someone you know need food, go to https://pa-navigate.org/. You can find help with food, housing, utilities, transportation and more by entering your ZIP code.
If you or someone you know need help with heating your home before December, call 211 or visit its website.
Our office is collecting food for the Coventry Food Pantry, which serves the Owen J. Roberts School District area. Please stop by between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to drop off items for our neighbors in need.