Chester County Food Bank’s Impactful Advocacy in Harrisburg
In a display of solidarity and determination, the Chester County Food Bank, alongside the PA Hunger Action Coalition, Hunger Free PA and Feeding PA, took their fight for food security to the heart of Pennsylvania’s capital on April 9th.
One of our primary focuses at the Chester County Food Bank is the pressing need to increase the minimum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Currently set at a meager $23 per month, this allowance falls significantly short of meeting the basic nutritional needs of those it aims to support. Nicholas Imbesi, MPA, Senior Manager of Advocacy and Government Relations, spoke during the rally, advocating to increase the minimum SNAP payment for seniors and those with disabilities to $35 dollars a month.
After the rally, CCFB staff and Board member Dr. Ginny Calega met with multiple state lawmakers and their staff to advocate for Food Security Programs. Among these requests were:
- $23,000,000 for the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP): Demand for food assistance remains above pre-pandemic levels, and new challenges continue to put a strain on food bank operations. The SFPP plays a crucial role in addressing this demand by providing vital funding to support the acquisition of nutritious food for those in need.
- $7,500,000 for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS): PASS serves as an efficient mechanism for Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry to donate safe, wholesome food products while being reimbursed for the costs involved in harvesting, processing, packaging, and transporting these foods. Without PASS, these food products would otherwise be left to waste, exacerbating food insecurity and economic strain for farmers.
- $17,000,000 to increase the minimum SNAP benefit for seniors and people with disabilities: An increase to the minimum benefit would not only address immediate food insecurity but also promote good nutrition for older adults. With the federal minimum benefit currently set at $23 per month, the suggested raise to $35 per month would provide much-needed relief to those struggling to afford basic necessities.
The significance of these funding requests cannot be overstated. They represent a critical investment in the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring that individuals and families have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
By taking our message directly to Harrisburg, the Chester County Food Bank and its partners exemplify the power of grassroots mobilization in driving meaningful change. Our presence at the state capital serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility we share in addressing food insecurity and ensuring that no individual is left behind. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we embody the spirit of solidarity and empathy that lies at the heart of the fight against hunger.
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The Chester County Food Bank is the central hunger relief organization serving more than 160 food cupboards, meal sites, and social service organizations throughout Chester County. We mobilize our community to ensure access to real, healthy food.