SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Now that we’re in November, many families are worried about where their next meal is coming from, let alone how they’ll get through the upcoming holidays.
For Robin Perkins of South Philadelphia, the situation is especially tough. She’s among many Pennsylvanians who have stopped receiving their SNAP benefits because of the ongoing government shutdown.
“Now that entire resource is gone for the month of November,” Perkins said. “Last time I received benefits was October. I have 30 dollars left that I’m holding onto for the holiday season.”
Without those benefits, she’s unsure how she’ll make ends meet.
“It makes me sigh and ask myself, what can I do?” she said.
But there is help on the way. Across the city, people are stepping up, from volunteers stocking community fridges to state and local leaders pledging new funding.
On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced new state funding for food banks across Pennsylvania. This weekend, the Parker Administration rolled out the One Philly SNAP Support Plan, putting $7 million toward a larger $14 million regional relief effort. That money will go to food banks and hunger-relief organizations like Philabundance.
“We’ve already started spending money,” said Loree Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance. “We’ve already started, over the last couple weeks, spending more money to get more food in.”
In South Philadelphia, local restaurants are also finding ways to help. At Juana Tamale, chef Jennifer Zavala is offering discounted and sometimes free meals for SNAP recipients.
“The response has been, we’ve got more people that want to come and support us,” Zavala said. “We never ask for donations. I just wanted people to come in and maybe buy a burrito for one or two more people that would be great.”
For Perkins, community efforts like these are a lifeline during an uncertain time.
“Throughout life I’ve been a SNAP participant both as a mother raising children, and even now as a single woman and a student,” she said.
As the shutdown continues, food banks and pantries are urging residents to seek support. Organizers encourage anyone in need to call 211 to find a nearby pantry since hours and availability can vary by location.
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