Last year’s first ever Philly Brunch Off was such a hit that we need a new venue this year to welcome more brunchers and contestants alike! We are excited to host the 2nd Annual Philly Brunch Off on Saturday, April 6th at Taller Puertorriqueño!

Taller Puertorriqueño has spent 50 years preserving, developing, and promoting Puerto Rican arts and culture in Philadelphia, with the belief that embracing one’s cultural heritage empowers us and our community.

Join us at the Philly Brunch Off to taste some of the best brunch items that top Philly restaurants have to offer while supporting our programs to build food security throughout Philadelphia. And while you’re at it, explore Taller Puertorriqueño’s beautiful space including their on site art gallery.

SNAP HOTLINE IN ACTION

This week we had an especially difficult call to our SNAP Hotline - this story contains subjects that may be triggering for some readers.

One of our SNAP Hotline counselors assisted a client who was experiencing domestic violence and moved to Philadelphia to start over. This client didn’t have any money or food so we completed an application for SNAP benefits over the phone, submitted required documentation on their behalf, and referred them to food pantries in their neighborhood. Thankfully, the client was able to apply for benefits quickly and was able to pick up food in their local neighborhood food pantries.

If you live in Philly, Bucks, or Chester County and would like assistance applying for SNAP benefits, completing your annual renewal, or help finding other local food resources, call our SNAP Hotline Monday – Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and on Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm at 215-430-0556. Asistencia también disponible en Español.

POLICY & ADVOCACY

A Win for Women, Infants, and Children: Full Funding for WIC! As Congress has worked to finalize a spending package for the current fiscal year, we’ve been warning you all about a potential $1 billion WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) funding shortfall. This week, the House passed the first of two spending packages that will keep the government funded through the end of this fiscal year. The Senate is expected to pass it today before the funding deadline. We are happy to report that this spending package includes full funding for WIC!

DC Visit: As Congress works to finalize spending packages for this fiscal year, we joined our partners at Philabundance and the Feeding America network in DC to talk to our legislators and keep attention on the Farm Bill. We met with the offices of the 6 Representatives that represent our area of service (Reps Fitzpatrick, Boyle, Evans, Dean, Scanlon, and Houlahan) as well as Senators Casey and Fetterman, to let them know what we are seeing “on the ground,” as well as discuss current threats to SNAP and the need to keep the program strong.

SUMMER MEALS

In our region, many kids rely on Free or Reduced Price School Meals during the year, a resource that isn’t available in the summer months. Summer Meals is a program that helps youth 18 and under eat free, healthy meals all summer long. To make this program a success, it requires support from the community to ensure that kids have safe places to eat!

Nutritional Development Services is looking for community members to host 2024 summer meal sites. Sites can be hosted at a variety of locations, are free to host, and can run for as little as one week or as long as the whole summer. If you are interested in hosting a summer meals site you can call 215-895-3470, option 1 or fill out their Summer Meals Interest Form.

MAKE A STAND AGAINST HUNGER!

• Get your tickets to the 2nd Annual Philly Brunch Off!
• Sign up to receive our up-to-date Advocacy Alerts. 
• Make a donation or Become a Monthly Donor to support our work.
• Help us connect more people with SNAP benefits by volunteering to virtually answer phone calls for our SNAP Hotline. Learn more here!
• ¡Suscríbase a nuestro nuevo boletín en español!

We strive to build a community where all people have the food they need to lead healthy lives. Hunger is preventable. Thank you for your continued support of our work! 

The Coalition Against Hunger Team