Resources for SNAP recipients in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware as benefits deadline nears
Millions of Americans could soon find themselves without the ability to rely on federal food aid to supplement groceries come November because of the ongoing government shutdown.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, no Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will be issued starting on Nov. 1, leaving many families throughout the Delaware Valley in need of resources.
Several organizations and local restaurants are providing free food and meals to those impacted by the upcoming freeze in benefits.
Regardless of your location, anyone can text their zip code to 1-800-5-HUNGRY or 1-800-548-6479, and a list of nearby food banks will be sent right to your phone.
Philadelphia-area resources
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, more than 2 million people receive SNAP benefits in the state. Philadelphia County has the most people enrolled in the federal food aid program in comparison to any other county in Pennsylvania, according to DHS.
Philadelphia offers a food and meal finder for residents to identify resources in their area. People can find nearby food sites by entering their addresses here.
Philabundance also offers a similar map on its website that can help people find a food pantry or food bank in their community.
The nonprofit, Share Food Program, connects residents with convenient locations to pick up and receive free food as well.
The official website for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a list of food banks organized by each county and also offers an interactive map of food pantries throughout the state.
For those with questions about SNAP, Community Legal Services provides legal aid and information on public benefits to qualifying Philadelphians.
South Jersey resources
According to the Food Bank of South Jersey, 130,000 South Jersey residents are at risk of not getting their benefits come Nov. 1.
The organization provides several options, including food programs for kids, seniors and mobile distributions.
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey also provides free food sites for those in need. Residents can locate partnered food pantries with the organization by entering their zip codes here.
The official website for the state of New Jersey also lists out several resources for each county and provides a step-by-step guide on what to expect when going to a food pantry.
The South Jersey Dream Center in West Deptford is trying to keep food flowing for those in need. The nonprofit is located on Jessup Road near I-295.
According to New Jersey's Department of Human Services, any SNAP benefits loaded on EBT cards prior to Oct. 31 will be available for use after Nov. 1. Before going to the grocery store, the department is asking recipients to check their SNAP accounts online or by calling 800-997-3333.
Delaware resources
Delaware Health and Social Services estimates the stoppage of benefits will impact 60,000 households in the state come November.
Residents in Delaware can call 211 for the state's helpline for more information on local food pantries.
The state also has an interactive map where residents can find nearby resources.
The Food Bank of Delaware offers a list of open food pantries and banks in each county, along with addresses and hours.
Businesses providing food assistance
Starting on Nov. 4, Spring House Tavern in Ambler, Pennsylvania, will be offering free home-cooked meals to SNAP recipients who show their SNAP or WIC cards. According to the restaurant's Facebook post, donations from the community will help cover servers' tips.
Juana Tamale, a Mexican restaurant on Passyunk Avenue, is also stepping up to help those in need during this time. Owner Jennifer Zavala announced on social media that the restaurant will be offering free meals for children starting on Nov. 1. Families must show their SNAP cards in order to receive a free meal. The program will run until benefits are issued again.
K&A Bagel Cafe in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, will be giving out free bagels to anyone impacted by the government shutdown. Until the end of the shutdown, people can pick up bagged bagels from 12:50 p.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Center City Pretzel is offering three free pretzels to people who present their EBT card in store, according to a post on the company's Instagram account.
The Cantonese restaurant Win Wah in Conshohocken is working to lessen the burden on families too. On Facebook, the restaurant posted they'll be offering half-price meals for SNAP and WIC families from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Nov. 1 until Nov. 15.
Other assistance
DoorDash, the food delivery service, is offering help to SNAP recipients across the country. The company plans to deliver 1 million free meals to food bank partners in November. DoorDash will be waiving delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery store orders for SNAP recipients.
Starting Nov. 1, the delivery service Gopuff is offering SNAP recipients a $50 credit for those with a connected EBT card to their accounts. In total, the Philadelphia-based company is donating $10 million in free groceries to those impacted by the possible lapse in benefits.
Instacart is offering SNAP families 50% off their next grocery order, up to a $50 discount. The grocery delivery service says all customers who have placed an Instacart order using an EBT SNAP card at any point in October are eligible.