While a potential SNAP freeze is set to impact millions of Pennsylvanians, food banks and services throughout Chester County are here to help, writes Maria Pulcinella for WHYY.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides food benefits to low-income families. The monthly supplement allows those who need it to purchase nutritious food from authorized retailers.
Approximately one in eight Americans rely on SNAP payments. Locally, Chester County is home to more than 29,000 SNAP enrollees.
Now in its third week, the ongoing federal government shutdown will potentially cause a freeze in SNAP payments. The Trump Administration’s shutdown would impact millions of Americans starting Nov. 1.
While the SNAP freeze looms, food banks throughout Chester County have resources to support those impacted.
The Chester County Food Bank boasts a variety of locations of food providers and hot meal sites. Anyone can find food through the food bank, regardless of qualification for government assistance.
The food bank’s ongoing “food finder” list provides a list of pantries and real-time information on where to find food throughout the county, including available pickup times.
Local providers include Paoli Presbyterian Church with pickups on the first Wednesday and third Tuesday of every month. Additionally, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Phoenixville offers hot breakfast every other Saturday, and hot dinner the following Monday.
If you are not looking to find food but want to help, the Chester County Food Bank also provides a list of ways to support, including volunteer time, monetary donations, or food drop-offs.
Read more about how the potential SNAP freeze will impact Chester County and where you can both find food and offer help in WHYY.
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