SNAP Benefits Halted in PA: What You Can Do to Help!

Pennsylvania residents who rely on SNAP benefits for food assistance will soon face a difficult reality. Beginning in November 2025, millions of Americans—including over 160,000 Allegheny County residents—will not receive their usual monthly payments due to the ongoing government shutdown. For thousands of families across the Pittsburgh region, this will mean empty pantries, skipped meals, and impossible choices between food, rent, and medicine.

At East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM), we are preparing for what may be the largest surge in food insecurity since the height of the pandemic. Before the shutdown, food insecurity was already rising because of deep federal cuts and restrictions to essential nutrition programs. Now, the strain on food pantries and community kitchens will intensify dramatically as families seek emergency support to stay fed.

Every weekday, EECM provides a free, hot lunch to anyone in need through our Community Kitchen in East Liberty. Our Food Pantry operates twice daily, offering groceries and fresh produce to neighbors who would otherwise go without. Already, we are serving more people than ever before, and we expect that number to climb sharply in the weeks ahead.

We need your help to ensure no one in Pittsburgh goes hungry.

Your donation directly feeds your neighbors in crisis:

• $4.22 provides one hot, nutritious meal.

• $20 provides groceries for an individual for a week.

• $50 provides groceries for a family of four for a week.

We also welcome new and returning volunteers to help us meet the demand. Our food pantry and kitchen will be busy and we'll need extra hands!

Food drives are another great way to ensure we have food stocked for our increased service population.

We understand that times are tough for many Pittsburghers. But if you’re able, please consider making a donation today.