The ongoing lack of a state budget and the shutdown of the federal government are severely impacting local services in Pennsylvania. As a result, several agencies have had to adjust their operations, with some laying off staff while others strive to meet the increasing demand for assistance. Approximately 2 million Pennsylvanians are among the 42 million Americans expected to lose benefits from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1, 2023.
On Friday, two federal judges ruled that government officials must utilize contingency funds to maintain these essential benefits. Nonetheless, appeals are anticipated, leaving many vulnerable individuals in uncertainty about their immediate future.
Local Agencies Respond to Growing Needs
Kimberly Hawk, CEO of the Fayette County Community Action Agency (FCCAA), reported that the nonprofit’s food bank currently serves about 2,000 households, which translates to approximately 3,100 to 3,400 individuals receiving food boxes each month. “We have had people call who are worried and concerned about the SNAP benefits not being available come November 1, especially from our senior population,” she stated.
As a direct consequence of the funding crisis, the FCCAA has made temporary changes to its operations. Utility assistance vouchers are no longer available, and food pantry boxes will now contain fewer items. Additionally, home-delivered meals will be provided bi-weekly, with each delivery including three frozen meals to help clients manage their nutrition throughout the week. Despite these challenges, services provided through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will continue uninterrupted.
Hawk noted that the FCCAA has laid off 35 staff members and that those remaining are working reduced hours. She expressed concern that if the budget deadlock persists, additional programs may need to be scaled back, potentially leading to further layoffs. “We are doing everything we can to maintain essential support for those in need during this uncertain time,” Hawk added.
Community Initiatives and Support
In contrast to the challenges faced by the FCCAA, Diana Irey Vaughan, president and CEO of City Mission, emphasized that their organization has no plans to reduce services. “Individuals need us now more than ever,” she stated. Irey Vaughan revealed that the mission is more than doubling the number of people served through its food distribution on Tuesdays and Thursdays, noting that “more than half are individuals who we’ve never served before.”
As the demand for food assistance rises, local churches are organizing food drives, and individuals are donating items to help replenish the mission’s pantry. “As the need grows, we are seeing the generosity of others grow as well,” Irey Vaughan remarked.
Similarly, Teresa Burroughs, executive director of the LeMoyne Community Center, reported reduced work hours for staff. “If it’s an eight-hour shift, we’ll have one person come in the morning and work four hours, and another person will come in the afternoon to work the remaining four hours,” she explained. Burroughs noted that the organization has been prudent with spending and has scaled back the number of students enrolled in its after-school Homework and More program. She remains optimistic about resuming full operations once funding is restored, expecting a good supply of food for the center’s upcoming food bank on November 8, 2023. “We’re doing everything we can to help families,” she said.
Washington County officials are also mobilizing resources to assist residents facing food insecurity. County Commissioner Larry Maggi has made available a list of local resources and encouraged those who do not require assistance to consider volunteering or donating to support struggling agencies. “We are going to have to work together to make sure no one goes hungry during these trying times,” Maggi affirmed.
Residents in both Fayette and Washington counties can access various food assistance programs. Fayette County residents seeking emergency food help may contact the FCCAA at 724-437-6050 for information on nearby pantries. The Greater Washington County Food Bank offers services at multiple locations, including Southpointe and Centerville Pantry. Monetary donations can be directed to Food Helpers, located at 1000 Horizon Vue Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15137.
The Greater Washington County Foodbank’s distribution schedule includes various locations with no income or residency restrictions, although pre-registration is required. Emergency food assistance is also available through PA 211, where individuals can dial 211 or text a zip code to 898-211 for local food and support services.
As local agencies navigate these challenging circumstances, their commitment to serving vulnerable populations remains steadfast. The community’s response underscores the importance of solidarity and support during this period of uncertainty.
