Global Health Crisis: Food Security Challenges and SNAP Funding

Since SNAP benefits were paused nearly a week ago, city and state officials in Philadelphia have been scrambling to find funding for local food banks and hunger relief resources. Rob Dubow, Philadelphia's director of finance, stated that these are merely short-term solutions and emphasized that the city's resources cannot sustain this funding crisis for long.

He remarked, 'We don't have the capability to stand in for SNAP in the long term.' Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with President Donald Trump, announced they would not provide funding for SNAP until the government shutdown ends.

Despite legal challenges, including a lawsuit from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the federal government has indicated it will only partially fund SNAP during this period. City officials anticipate it will take at least ten days for SNAP cards to be reloaded with that partial funding.

The funding freeze has already increased stress on local food banks, with George Matysik, executive director of Philly's Share Food Program, reporting a twelve-fold increase in usage over the last two weeks.

In response, Mayor Cherelle Parker has signed an executive order to create the $14 million One Philly SNAP Support Program, which combines $4 million from the city, $6 million from philanthropic organizations, and $1 million from the state.

However, city officials have provided little clarity on what will happen if the shutdown extends beyond November. Councilmember Cindy Bass voiced her concern, stating, 'While I understand that it was an unexpected crisis, the city is ultimately responsible for our citizens.' Loree Jones, CEO of Philabundance, noted that for every dollar donated, only two meals can be provided, stressing that food banks cannot replace the SNAP program.

She highlighted a 44% increase in food insecurity from 2021 to 2023, with many dual-income households now seeking assistance. Matysik pointed out a 120% increase in people using Share Food's services over the past year, contrasting this with the federal support received during the pandemic.

He stated, 'In this moment, Washington and Washington alone is creating this problem.'