Dear Friends,

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of our nation's most powerful anti-hunger tools. By providing individuals and families with resources to help purchase food, SNAP also helps participants free up resources to spend on other basic needs and has been shown to improve health outcomes.

Recognizing the importance of SNAP and the increased need for food assistance in our community, our experienced counselors are working harder than ever on our SNAP Hotline to assist residents of Philadelphia, Bucks and Chester County with:

  • Navigating the SNAP application process.
  • Submitting SNAP applications and annual renewals.
  • Providing one on one case management to advocate for anyone who is wrongly denied SNAP benefits or had their benefits incorrectly reduced.
  • Getting connected to other local food resources.

Last year, as inflation caused increased hardship for our neighbors, we were able to add to our Hotline team. We submitted over 2,400 SNAP applications and provided case management for 299 individuals and families. For over 20 years, our SNAP Hotline has been dedicated to removing barriers of SNAP, and we remain by the phone ready to help!

Below is a real story about the assistance we are able to provide through our SNAP Hotline.

 

SNAP Hotline In Action

One of our clients received a letter stating that their SNAP benefits were being cut off. The day after the letter came, her renewal packet arrived. This client called our SNAP Hotline in tears. It was Jan. 25th, and our Hotline Counselor knew there was still time to get the renewal in. She quickly completed the renewal for this client and had her call the Change Center to set up an interview with the case worker. Two days later, the interview was completed. The client was told she would receive her benefits on time, but she would not receive the emergency allotment (extra SNAP) at the end of the month.

This client only receives $23 in SNAP benefits, so the extra SNAP is a huge help. Our Hotline Counselor had her call the Change Center and ask for a supervisor to explain the issue. The gentleman who assisted her was kind and mentioned that he could see she was always very prompt with her paperwork. He spoke with his supervisor and called our client back to let her know she would receive her extra SNAP for both January and February. She was so thankful for our help that she called us right away to let us know the good news!

 

Extra SNAP (Emergency Allotments) Ending

We’ve been reporting now for several weeks about the upcoming end of Emergency Allotments (EAs), the extra SNAP payments that people get in the second half of the month to help with food costs. As a reminder, this month will be the final month that EAs are distributed. Starting in March, SNAP participants will get their regular SNAP payment in the first half of the month. There will be no payment in the second half of the month. As we get closer to this change, we are growing our resources that you can use to spread the word:

February Emergency Allotments Flyer: Learn more about February Emergency Allotments, including payment dates.

 

Extra SNAP Ending Flyer: Learn more about the upcoming end of Extra SNAP, and view additional resources for when this change takes place.

Extra SNAP Ending Video: Watch our narrated video explaining the upcoming change and additional resources in under 5 minutes.

 

Special Supplemental Nutrition Plan for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

In November 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a proposed update to the WIC Food Package. WIC Food Packages allow participants to purchase specific foods that are intended to supplement their existing diets and support healthy growth and development. WIC Food Packages vary depending on life stage, breastfeeding status, and dietary needs of participants. This proposal makes many positive changes to the Food Packages and we are excited to support this proposal.

 

Meet Our Interns

We are excited to have four interns working alongside us this spring. Please join us in welcoming: 

  • Isabel Cardi from the Thomas Jefferson University MS/RDN Program
  • Sean Donellan from the Thomas Jefferson University MS/RDN Program
  • Carly Giomboni from the LaSalle University Masters Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics Practice
  • Laura Santos from the University of Pennsylvania Fox Leadership Program
 

 MAKE A STAND AGAINST HUNGER!

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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