Policy and Advocacy

Big news on the SNAP front: USDA heard us! Earlier this week, the Department withdrew two damaging SNAP proposals – rules that you helped us fight! One, the proposed rule change that would have brought back an asset test and lowered PA’s income eligibility limits, would have taken SNAP away from more than 200,000 Pennsylvanians. The second, a proposed rule that would have changed how the cost of utilities would factor into a household’s SNAP benefit amount, would have taken an estimated $40 of food assistance away from over half-a-million PA households.

We thank you for raising your voice and applaud the leadership of our national partners FRAC, Feeding America, and CBPP, who made it possible for hundreds of thousands of us to register our opposition to these rules. As the national response to hunger evolves during the pandemic and during the long process of economic recovery, we will continue to need your help in fighting to protect and strengthen SNAP and other nutrition programs.

In Pennsylvania, yesterday the Department Of Human Services (DHS) released the first edition of its Racial Equity Report, Addressing Inequity And Anti-Racism Across Programs And Services. The report looks at DHS as an organization, its work, and systems, specifically covering health equity, economic justice, early childhood education, child welfare, and juvenile justice. DHS specifically notes, “The report is meant to establish a starting point for DHS and its partners to guide efforts moving forward.” We are pleased DHS has taken this step and will support its efforts as we undertake our own work to address systemic racism and inequities.

Lastly, next week, on January 26 at 6 pm, and again on January 28 at 11 am, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health will host a webinar to provide information on the COVID-19 vaccine; updates on its mobile COVID-19 testing unit; and an overview of its COVID-19 testing map. The session will include an opportunity for Q&A, and closed captioning will be available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Russian, French, and Vietnamese. You can register here. 

SNAP Hotline

Our SNAP Hotline continues to experience an increase in calls. Thank you to our volunteers and SNAP Hotline Team for their tireless efforts to support individuals and families as they navigate the SNAP application process! Our SNAP Hotline operates Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 215-430-0556.    

• Here is the City of Philadelphia list of COVID-19 food distribution sites locations across Philadelphia for: student, senior and outdoor food pick up sites.  
• Listing (phone numbers and address) of all Philadelphia County Assistance offices. Note, however, when calling it is often quicker to contact the Customer Service Center at 215-560-7226 (Philadelphia) or 877-395-8930 (statewide).

SAVE-THE-DATE: THE RACE AGAINST HUNGER

THE 25th ANNUAL RACE AGAINST HUNGER - APRIL 16, 2021 - APRIL 26, 2021 

The Coalition Against Hunger’s Virtual Race Against Hunger 5K Run/Walk (formerly known as the Walk Against Hunger) will kick off on February 1, 2021! Look for the official announcement on January 25, 2021! 

This year marks the Coalition’s 25th year of bringing together the community to raise funds that help combat hunger in the Philadelphia region. Our work is more important than ever as we continue to help so many people attempting to overcome the challenges of 2020. 

We hope we can count on you this year to support the Race Against Hunger in the following ways:

1. Register to participate as a virtual runner or walker and either use our designated route to complete your 5K (3.1 miles) or complete it in your community. 
2. Register a fundraising page or team under the Coalition’s Race Team to raise funds to support our work that helps so many people who are still struggling to put food on their tables.
3. Do both! 

Details coming soon to www.phillyhungerrace.com.

WE ARE HIRING!

We’re looking for an Office Manager/Bookkeeper to support our work as a team with a focus on our operations, finance, and volunteer management areas. 

• This is a multi-faceted position that includes bookkeeping, managing office systems, operations, IT, and management of the volunteer program for the organization.
• Applicant must be flexible, a team player with a people focused approach, technology savvy, and a great problem solver.
• This is a full time, exempt position reporting to the Executive Director.  For more information visit the full job description here.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?  

• Sign up to receive our up to date Advocacy Alerts.
• Make a donation or Become a Monthly Donor to support our work.

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

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