SNAP cuts: Helping our fellow Philadelphians facing chronic hunger

Philadelphians, just like most Pennsylvanians, are feeling the heat generated by higher prices of groceries like coffee, seafood, spices, produce, cheese - and even that candy bar you occasionally grab while waiting in line.

Add to that, the impact of SNAP benefit cuts and new requirements, which will affect nearly 2 million Commonwealth residents who depend on them - more than 51,000 in Philadelphia alone.

In addition to benefit recipients, though, these cuts will have a great impact on farm families and the 12,000 or so families connected to grocery industry jobs statewide that are supported by SNAP spending.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania administration has offered to the state legislature a 2025-2026 budget proposal, which aims to soften the blow of these impacts, including:

• More funds for programs that fight food insecurity, such as the Commonwealth's State Food Purchasing Programand Pennsylvania Surplus System.

• A statewide minimum wage increase.

As we await the outcome of budgetlegislation andother developments,here are some ways all Philadelphians can help fellow residents who arefacing hunger and food insecurity:

• A good starting point is to research and share resources like the City of Philadelphia's free food and meal finder.

• Explore social media and visit websites like Your Barefoot Neighborfor quick, pantry-friendly recipes.

• Support smaller community-based agencies doing the work, but have received less funding than in previous years.

• Encourage community gardens and urban agriculture to grow own food and increase self-sufficiency.

• Learn to reduce food waste since most of it happens in our homes.