Dear Friends,

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to slow mail delivery. Many callers to our SNAP Hotline report that they never received their benefit renewal package in the mail, only a letter stating that their benefits were terminated because they did not renew their benefits in time. The Coalition Advocacy and SNAP Hotline teams are working together to ensure that callers receive the benefits that they deserve by re-submitting their application and urging the Department of Human Services to grant greater flexibility regarding renewals.

Learn more about SNAP Benefits

We are partnering with our colleagues at the Free Library of Philadelphia Culinary Literacy Center to present SNAP 101: Everything You Need to Know to get Started next Tuesday, March 2 from 5:30-6:30pm on Facebook Live. This workshop is perfect for anyone who is interested in SNAP but isn’t sure where to start. In this program, we will introduce you to SNAP, talk about the application process, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on benefits, and give you helpful tips and reminders for staying connected to benefits. We will also share helpful library resources and information about upcoming free culinary classes! 

To join us, visit the Facebook link at the time of the workshop. Please share this information widely throughout your networks, we hope to see you there!

Policy and Advocacy

Last week, we asked those of you who live and work in Philadelphia to take part in the City’s Budget Priorities and Preferences survey. Thank you to those who did! If you haven’t yet, there’s still time. The deadline is Sunday, Feb. 28. This week, we have some tips if you still need to fill out the survey, as well as a “Step 2” asking everyone to weigh in with City Councilmembers. 

When filling out the survey, it is important to let the city know how important it is to bolster its response to hunger and continue supporting emergency food distribution. The city doesn’t have one key staff person or department dedicated to fighting hunger (a problem we raised pre-pandemic!). Its efforts are spread across several departments. As such, the survey does not mention hunger or food distribution specifically. As a result, we think it’s extremely important for you to use the write-in “other” opportunities within the survey to stress that the city must include funds in the budget to support a strong response to high rates of food insecurity. 

In addition to the survey, another way to have your voice heard to contact your City Councilperson and members at-large. You can look up your City Councilperson here, and we have listed each of their phone numbers and twitter handles below. Please call your Councilperson and at least two members-at-large (and if you feel ambitious, call all seven!). We suggest telling them:

I completed the City’s Budget Priorities and Preferences survey and am pleased the City asked for feedback. But I am disappointed that the survey did not ask specifically about fighting hunger. I am calling the stress that the City must include funding in the budget to support a strong response to our high levels of food insecurity – rates that have grown due to the pandemic. The city needs to help people access federal nutrition programs and get emergency food to feed themselves and their families.

Of course, you should also feel free to share your own experiences and more information about what you are seeing in your community.

SNAP Hotline

Our SNAP Hotline continues to operate Monday – Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Friday from 9:00 am to 4 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.  

Here is a listing (phone numbers and addresses) 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).