SNAP benefits for Pennsylvanians will be withheld starting on Nov.1st.  This is a major disaster for many individuals and families who will face making choices between rent and food.  We need to stand with them in this crisis by stepping up our donations to food banks and pantries.  Helping Harvest is having trouble supplying proteins in particular. Canned meats and tuna and boxed or powdered milk are good sources of these.  Crackers go well with tuna.   

In addition to the pause in SNAP benefits, the federal government has canceled $6 million in emergency food shipments to anti-hunger groups in the commonwealth and withheld $13 million in grants for buying fresh, local produce to stock Pennsylvania food banks and pantries. There will be a basket in the entry way for donation beginning Sunday.  Please help the members and neighbors who depend on our food bank. 

A few things to keep in mind when donating to food banks:

1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks.

2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.

3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.

4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops.

5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of.

6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift.

7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care.

8. Sugar and flour are treats.

9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores.

10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some.

11. They rarely get fresh meat.

12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.

13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.

14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.

15. Butter or margarine is nice too.

16. Eggs are a real commodity.

17. Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.

18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.

19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that.

20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.