The Caring Cupboard Responds to Federal Shutdown Impacting SNAP Benefits

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be distributed to families starting in November. This disruption will leave thousands of local households without the critical food assistance they rely on each month. The shutdown and associated layoffs, combined with rising food costs, are significantly impacting thousands of local military families and federal employees within our service territory.

The Caring Cupboard stands ready to help the more than 22,000 households across Northern Lebanon, Palmyra, and Annville-Cleona School Districts that may need a hand during this difficult time. As a leading community-based choice food pantry dedicated to providing nourishment and hope, we are preparing to meet an anticipated surge in need throughout November and beyond.

"No family should go hungry because of circumstances beyond their control," said David Fitzkee, Executive Director of The Caring Cupboard. "While the suspension of SNAP benefits will be devastating for many, The Caring Cupboard will do everything in its power to fill the gap and ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious food." The Caring Cupboard will continue its work with partner agencies in Lebanon County, the Central PA Food Bank, and our other retail and community partners to meet the need of our communities.

To meet this urgent challenge, The Caring Cupboard is calling on the community to rise to the occasion. This local support is essential to expanding our capacity to serve:

• Food Donations: Nonperishable items such as canned proteins, soups, fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice, and cereals are especially needed.
• Financial Contributions: Monetary donations allow us to purchase fresh food and essential items quickly and efficiently.
• Volunteer Hours: With higher demand expected, extra hands are needed to sort, stock, and distribute food.

"This is a moment for our community to come together," added Mr. Fitzkee. "Together, we can ensure that our neighbors can have access to healthy food regardless of what life throws at them."

Donations can be made online at https://www.caringcupboard.org/donate or dropped off at either 131 North Railroad Street, Palmyra or 48 West Market Street, Jonestown during regular operating hours. To volunteer, please visit https://www.caringcupboard.org/volunteer or contact [email protected]

For more information about The Caring Cupboard or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.caringcupboard.org or follow on social media at https://www.facebook.com/caringcupboardpalmyra or https://www.instagram.com/thecaringcupboard

Families residing outside The Caring Cupboard's service territory are encouraged to use PA Navigate pa-navigate.org to help find food and other resources. Local help is also available by calling 211 or visiting www.pa211.org.