PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With nearly 500,000 Philadelphians facing disruptions to SNAP benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown, the Parker administration has announced the rollout of “One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order Saturday morning, allocating $7 million as part of a $14 million regional effort to support impacted city residents. According to the administration, $7 million of the funds is from the city, $6 million is from philanthropy and $1 million is from the Commonwealth.
“Families across Philadelphia live with a myriad of challenges every day. Facing food insecurity should never be one of them,” Parker said.
Parker said there will be an immediate allocation of $4 million to food distribution partners to help nonprofits deliver food across the city. And, through a donation from Aramark, the administration is expanding the One Philly Produce Project to 43 Community and Extended Day/Extended Year Program schools beginning next week.
The city also earmarked $1.5 million in emergency rental assistance toward supporting furloughed federal workers at risk of eviction from their city homes, and $1 million in reallocated funds at the Department of Human Services to support vulnerable families with food assistance. Through the Department of Revenue, federal workers who live in the city will have water bills, real estate tax installment plans, and Owner-Occupied Payment Agreements covered with no late fees or penalties while federal pay is disrupted.
Families receiving services through the Community Umbrella Agencies, Family Empowerment Programs or the Achieving Reunification Center are urged to contact their case managers for emergency food. People can also access enhanced navigation and support from Neighborhood Community Action Centers and BenePhilly specialists to help with registering for benefits and resources.
The city will also provide $500,000 in Emergency Revenue Replacement Grants for small food retailers, corner stores and grocers to help keep food available in every neighborhood.
“Together, we will ensure no neighbor is left behind while we continue advocating for the restoration of full SNAP benefits,” Parker said.
Meal sites are located around the city to provide free groceries, meals and support in accessing public benefits. To find a place near you, click here.
On Friday, two federal judges ruled that the Trump Administration must keep SNAP funded despite the administration's claim that there is no money to continue paying for the program during the ongoing government shutdown.
Despite the ruling, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Friday that he believes the state needs to have a backstop in place, which is why he signed a declaration of disaster emergency, releasing $5 million in state funds to support food banks and ensure that the nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians who depend on SNAP don't go hungry.