Sen. Fontana Announces Food Drive Starting Monday

Allegheny County − October 31, 2025 - Today, state Senator Wayne Fontana announced that his Senate office will be organizing a food drive starting next week to benefit those who could lose federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance tomorrow.

"Due to the political decisions being made in Washington, nearly two million Pennsylvanians may not be receiving SNAP payments starting tomorrow. This includes roughly 300,000 of our friends, families, and neighbors here in Western Pennsylvania.

As many will turn to food pantries, and with food pantries already stretched thin, I am organizing a food and donation drive to benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to support our local communities who would be impacted by the loss of SNAP benefits."

There are two ways people can participate.

1. Individuals can make an online donation that will go directly to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. For every $1 donated, the Food Bank can provide up to three meals for the children, families, and seniors they serve across Southwestern PA.
2. Items can be donated in-person at Sen. Fontana's district office in Kennedy Township, located in Kenmawr Plaza at 500 Pine Hollow Road.

Donations will be accepted Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. through Thursday, November 20. Please note the office is closed for Election Day on Tuesday, November 4 and for Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11.

The most needed items are:

• Canned fruits packed in 100% juice
• Low sodium/no salt added canned vegetables
• Low sodium/no salt added canned beans and soup
• Canned tuna or chicken packed in water
• Whole-grain cereal, oats and pasta
• Peanut butter
• Household items
• Hygiene items
• Diapers
• Any other nonperishable product is appreciated and can help fight hunger during these difficult times.

Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, there is currently $5.5 billion in the USDA's SNAP contingency fund available to pay benefits. But despite tapping the contingency fund during the previous government shutdown in 2018-19 to ensure those in need can still access food, the Trump Administration has decided to not transfer the funds.

Any questions or for more information on the food drive, please contact Sen. Fontana's Kennedy Township office at 412-331-1208.

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