WHYY: Nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians are facing a SNAP funding freeze. Here’s how to find alternative food resources — and how to help

SNAP payments have dried up for nearly 472,000 residents in Philadelphia alone.

By Maria Pulcinella, Updated November 3, 2025

Federal food aid has not gone out for the month of November amid the government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday said it will partially fund SNAP after a pair of judges’ rulings required it to keep the program running. It remains unclear how much beneficiaries will receive and how quickly recipients’ debit cards may be reloaded.

A surge in demand due to paused SNAP benefits and shutdown furloughs would likely exacerbate existing pressure on local food banks.

Share Food Program, which serves the Greater Philadelphia region, has already had to cut its budget by 20% this year, executive director George Matysik told The Associated Press.

“Any time we have a crisis,” he said, “it’s always the working class that feels the pain first.”

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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.