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April is National Volunteer Month! At the Coalition Against Hunger, our team isn’t complete without our volunteers who generously dedicate their time to help us build food security throughout Philadelphia. We are so grateful for their commitment to our work and taking a stand against hunger. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers!
One way people can volunteer with us is by answering calls on our SNAP Hotline. These volunteers gather intake information for our Hotline Counselors and connect callers with food in their neighborhood. Last year, we were able to assist 19,000 callers with food resources, and help 4,750 people access SNAP benefits. As a small but mighty team, we could not do this work without the assistance of our volunteers!
Advocating for Anti-Hunger Priorities in Harrisburg: Last week, we joined the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Coalition (PHAC) in Harrisburg to bring attention to the issue of food insecurity and underscore the importance of adequate state funding for programs that support our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Our goal was to ensure that our anti-hunger priorities are included in the final PA State Budget.
WIC Food Package Update: Last week, USDA (The United States Department of Agriculture) released the final rule updating the WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) food package to better support the dietary needs of WIC participants while allowing them increased flexibility and choice within the program. States will now begin the process of implementing this exciting update. We applaud USDA for finalizing this rule and ensuring that WIC participants are supported by updated, science-based food packages that support their health, choices, and lifestyles!
Protecting the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP): Last week, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, a Congressman from Pennsylvania and the Chair of the House Agriculture Committee released information laying out his forthcoming Farm Bill proposal that would prohibit USDA from meaningfully updating the TFP to keep pace with the cost of a healthy diet. The TFP is the government food plan on which SNAP benefit amounts are based.While this proposal would not lower current SNAP benefits, it would ensure that, in years to come, SNAP benefits would be unable to keep pace with the cost of a healthy diet. It is important that every hunger fighter understands that the ability to meaningfully update the Thrifty Food Plan at regular intervals must be maintained.
We encourage you to click the link below and learn more about how TFP updates support SNAP benefits and participants.
Last week we organized a Pantry Tour at Pinn Memorial for our Victory In Partnership Network members. Valerie Crawford graciously hosted and shared about her program, what brought her to this work, what she has learned throughout the years, and much more. Valerie showed us the wonderful space they use, which includes a very large kitchen that will soon be remodeled for their food distribution. It was a great event that created stronger connections between anti-hunger fighters!
IN THE COMMUNITY
Come see us out in the community! We will be hosting a resource table at “Living Sustainably 4 Better Health!” hosted by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) Resource Hub (RHub) Program!
Thursday, April 25th, 2024
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: North Philadelphia Resource Hub, 200 East Wyoming Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120 (Entrance through A street)
SNAP HOTLINE
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.
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
Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger 123 Chestnut Street Suite 401 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106 215-430-0555 | [email protected]
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