PhillyVoice: Pause on SNAP benefits would put ‘massive strain’ on Philly food banks

If the federal government shutdown continues into November, nearly 500,000 city residents will lose their monthly SNAP benefits until it ends.

By Michaela Althouse PhillyVoice Staff, October 22, 2025

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program recipients in Pennsylvania already were facing rising grocery costs and qualification changes, but they were dealt another blow at the end of last week: the possibility that they won’t receive federal assistance at all in November…unless the federal government ends its shutdown, state officials said Friday.

“To think that every food bank would have to grow ninefold overnight to keep up with the need is just not realistic,” said George Matysik, executive director of Philly’s Share Food Program, which supplies food pantries and community fridges. “So, what that means for us is that we’re going to feel a crush for our services unlike anything we’ve ever felt before.”

The issue is aggravated by Pennsylvania legislators having failed to approve a state budget. For food banks, that means that two state programs distribute food, the State Food Purchase Program and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, haven’t been operating since July. It also means that unlike other states, Pennsylvania lawmakers likely won’t be able to release funds to keep SNAP afloat.

Matysik said this adds pressure to an already troubling time for people facing food insecurity. The number of city residents seeking food assistance through Share Food Program has gone up 120% over the past three years, partially because assistance programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic expired. At the same time, he said, Share Food Program also has 20% less funding and food to distribute. 

“It’s going to put a massive strain on a network that is already undergoing a really severe lack of resources and increased needs,” Matysik said. “For both us and the organizations that we serve, we’re already having to do so much more with so much less.” 

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About Share Food Program

Share Food Program is the leading hunger relief organization in the Greater Philadelphia region, working to eradicate food insecurity through food distribution, education, and advocacy. Through partnerships with over 800 schools and 360+ community-based organizations and partner pantries, Share Food Program feeds hundreds of thousands of neighbors in need each month. 

To learn more and get involved, visit sharefoodprogram.org, give us a call 215-223-2220, or follow us on Facebook @sharefood and Instagram @sharefoodphilly.