Help during SNAP Benefits Crisis: Resources and Links

Benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be distributed to close to two million Pennsylvania households in November due to the federal government shutdown. SNAP assists more than 160,000 in Allegheny County; more than 50,000 of those are children. In Westmoreland County, more than 45,000 are impacted. The loss of SNAP benefits places undue pressure on families to put food on the table or pay for other essentials and on food banks and charities to find help to continue their support our neighbors.

Here are resources for those looking to provide help or who are in need of assistance.

FOR FOUNDATION FUND HOLDERS

Donations may be made directly to local food banks.

• Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
• Westmoreland Food Bank

If you have a fund at the Foundation and would like to use it to provide a gift directly to a pantry, food bank or other charitable organization, please contact your donor services officer (donorservices [at] pghfdn.org) to discuss or access your fund through the donor portal.

FOR PEOPLE LOSING SNAP BENEFITS

Allegheny County

• Find food resources near you with this mapping tool from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.  
• View a list of resources in this Pittsburgh City Paper article, including pantries, free fridges, food banks and free grocery programs by neighborhood or region.

Westmoreland County

• Find resources near you with this mapping tool from the Westmoreland County Food Bank (scroll down).

PA 211 - United Way's Resource Line and Website

• The United Way's 211 resource line connects Pennsylvania residents with resources in the community, including food assistance. Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 to talk with a resource specialist for free.
• Search this interactive 211 map for food resources near you.