Harrisburg, PA – On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced new state-led efforts to support Pennsylvania’s charitable food network and the two million Pennsylvanians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), after the Trump Administration refused to fund SNAP benefits in November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The Governor directed $5 million in state funding to Feeding Pennsylvania to distribute through its network of food banks across the Commonwealth. He also signed a disaster declaration to expedite the delivery of that funding and ensure relief reaches Pennsylvanians as quickly as possible — allowing state resources to be driven out faster, streamlining contracting, and giving the Governor additional tools to address the harm caused by the shutdown.
The Governor has also led a private sector fundraising effort to help food banks meet increased demand — raising more than $1 million to date for the “SNAP Emergency Relief Fund” thanks to contributions from Pennsylvania leaders including Thomas Tull, Connie Williams, Mark Cuban, and David and Hallee Adelman.
In addition, Governor Shapiro joined 24 other states and Washington, D.C. in suing the Trump Administration last week for unlawfully suspending SNAP payments and failing to use billions in Congressionally-approved contingency funds available to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue benefits during the shutdown. Two federal judges ruled on Friday that the Trump Administration must continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown.
What people are saying about Governor Shapiro’s action to support Pennsylvanians on SNAP:
Feeding PA CEO Julie Bancroft: “I’m honored to speak on behalf of our nine food banks, which serve 1.7 million Pennsylvanians each year, including nearly half a million children. Hunger in Pennsylvania has risen 44 percent in just two years — and even as our food banks distribute over 237 million pounds of food annually, it’s not enough to meet the growing need. Our network is using cash reserves to keep shelves stocked, but those resources are limited, making emergency funding critical. The support announced today will help ease the pressure and bridge the enormous gap caused by the loss of SNAP benefits. This funding is both practical and symbolic — showing what’s possible when government, farmers, and nonprofits come together to put people over politics. To the millions of Pennsylvanians feeling anxious about what’s to come, know that our food bank network is here for you — and we’ll get through this together.”
Philabundance CEO Loree Jones-Brown: “Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen scared faces and longer lines at food pantries — even dual-income families are seeking help like never before. For every meal food banks provide, SNAP provides nine, which is why this lapse is so alarming. To meet the need, we’re increasing our food purchasing to provide 600,000 more meals each month — because no one should go hungry, especially not in the greatest country in the world. Governor, we are heartened to have you — one of our biggest champions — here today, reminding us that together, we can ensure no one in Pennsylvania goes hungry.”
Robin Perkins, a SNAP recipient and student in Philabundance’s Community Kitchen training program: “SNAP means everything to me — it’s what helps me put food on the table. Now that it’s gone, I’m forced to make tough choices every time I go grocery shopping — what can I afford, what do I have to leave behind? My last benefits came in October, and I’ve got $30 left that I’m saving just to get through the holidays. For so many people, SNAP is the only resource they have to feed their families — whether they’re working or not. I’m grateful to be part of a community that’s coming together to take care of each other, but we need more support and awareness of just how vital this program really is.”
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding: “Our farmers, food banks, and families rise and fall together. We recognize in Pennsylvania that you cannot have a charitable food system without a food system that's charitable, so when federal programs fail to protect that important partnership, we don’t wait — we act. I'm proud to work with Governor Shapiro, who recognizes that vital connection and is taking action to support the noble work our farmers and food banks do together to feed Pennsylvanians in need.”
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa: “As the Trump Administration engages in another exercise in cruelty by attempting to withhold SNAP dollars, Governor Shapiro has stepped up to ensure that our friends and neighbors have food on the table. My colleagues and I have been receiving a deluge of calls from concerned constituents, fearful that they will not be able to stock their pantries and refrigerators because of the heartless decision of the President and his enablers in the Federal government. We are deeply grateful for the leadership of our Governor to fight for the food and safety of every Pennsylvanian.”
Senator Art Haywood, Democratic Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee: “This is an emergency. Thank you to Governor Shapiro for stepping up in this disaster. Once again, judges have protected the people of Pennsylvania from this man-made disaster.”
Senator Lindsey M. Williams: "I’m grateful for Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis’ executive action today to make sure Pennsylvanians don’t pay the price for Washington’s dysfunction. By declaring a disaster emergency, releasing $5 million in state funding to food banks, and organizing private donations through the SNAP Emergency Relief Fund, the Governor is helping keep food on families’ tables during this federal shutdown.”
Representative Gina H. Curry: “I am proud of Governor Shapiro for stepping up today to show the people of Pennsylvania that we hear them and we see them. The people don’t deserve to be in the crosshairs of politics. Regardless of the disconnects happening at the state and federal levels, our residents should always know that we have them and their best interests at heart. Today, Governor Shapiro showed them in a very concrete way that he’s dedicated to supporting them to the extent that he can.”
Representative Elizabeth Fielder: “I applaud @GovernorShapiro's swift action to address the oncoming hunger crisis in PA.”
What people are reading about Governor Shapiro’s action to support Pennsylvanians on SNAP:
ABC27: Shapiro signs emergency order, directs funding to help food banks amid SNAP depletion
NBC10: With SNAP benefits about to expire, Pennsylvania declares disaster emergency
WGAL: Gov. Shapiro signs disaster declaration over SNAP funding
Politics PA: Shapiro Makes Moves to Support Pennsylvanians Who Rely On SNAP
CBS21: PA Governor signs disaster declaration, making $5M in funding available to food banks
WENY: Shapiro Releases $5 Million to Food Banks; Pennsylvania’s SNAP Response
WGAL: Shapiro to announce support for state's charitable food network as SNAP questions continue
Penn Live: Shapiro declares emergency to help fund food programs with SNAP benefits poised to halt
WPXI: Gov. Shapiro signs disaster declaration, announces $5M in funding for Pennsylvania food banks
Pennsylvania Capital Star: Gov. Shapiro declares disaster emergency over SNAP benefits suspension
Times Leader: Shapiro takes legal action to ensure 2 million Pennsylvanians are fed
Center Square: Shapiro declares disaster over losing SNAP to get $5M
City & State PA: What to know as Pennsylvania braces for loss of SNAP benefits
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