SNAP funding freeze: Here’s how to find free food resources in the Philadelphia region — and how to help
SNAP payments have dried up for nearly 472,000 residents in Philadelphia alone amid the federal government shutdown.
File: Crates of milk are seen at a food bnk warehouse on July 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
SNAP funding freeze: What to know
- SNAP payments are in limbo, as a battle over its funding plays out in federal courts
- Here’s the latest regarding SNAP benefits, how the Philadelphia region is impacted and how local officials are responding
Millions of Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for food assistance are caught in the crosshairs of a legal battle over its funding.
Payments were halted in November — a first since the program’s inception in 1964 — amid the federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1.
In Pennsylvania, the SNAP freeze is occurring against the backdrop of the commonwealth’s own budget impasse, which has stalled billions of dollars from going to schools and social services and millions in aid from going to food banks.
Here’s where to find alternative food resources and how to help.
Where can I find alternative free food resources in the Philadelphia region?
A collection of food banks, pantries and related resources can be found by county below:
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Philadelphia County (search by neighborhood)
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Bucks County (search by city, borough or township)
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Chester County (interactive map)
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Delaware County (search by city, borough or township)
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Montgomery County (search by city, borough or township)
Other resources
- The Share Food Program offers free food and home delivery for seniors
- Pennsylvanians may use PA Navigate to help find food and other resources
- Local help is also available by calling 211 or visiting PA 211 online
- Philadelphia-based nonprofit Sharing Excess has launched a website mapping free food locations to support people facing food insecurity
- City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s office provides free groceries every Thursday starting at noon. West and Southwest Philly residents can call 215-686-0460 for assistance
How can I help Philly-area residents experiencing food insecurity?
A host of state and local organizations — from food banks and pantries to community fridges and grassroots coalitions — are dedicated to fighting food insecurity throughout the Philadelphia region.
Those interested in helping curb food insecurity may donate, volunteer or otherwise partner with any number of related organizations, including the more than 200 that are categorized by county above.
Below is a small handful in the Philadelphia region:
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Part of the series
The food assistance payments had previously been frozen by the Trump administration amid the federal government shutdown.
1 day ago
SNAP funding delay: Here’s the latest on November benefits and how the Philly region is impacted
The food assistance program serves close to 1 million people in the Greater Philadelphia area.
1 day ago
After federal court rulings, SNAP will issue November benefits to over 2 million Pennsylvanians — but at only half the usual amount.
5 days ago
Listen 1:22