Uncertainty over SNAP benefits has Philadelphians becoming ‘grocery buddies’

Delaware County resident Lenamarie Gorski grew up in what she describes as a very poor family. But she never went hungry as a child, thanks to federal nutrition support.

That’s why Gorski was dismayed earlier this month to learn that on Nov. 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were set to be suspended for the first time amid the federal government shutdown.

» READ MORE: Need food assistance? Here’s where to find free groceries, meals, and community fridges near you.

Knowing two million Pennsylvanians stood to be affected, Gorski was moved to action, offering groceries and other essentials in a Philadelphia moms Facebook group this week.

“It’s not a perfect fix,” she said. But she feels good knowing fewer people will be hungry, and fewer babies will go without formula and diapers.

Gorski is just one of many Philadelphia-area residents hoping to help meet the increased food demand.

While federal judges on Friday ordered the Trump administration to fund SNAP “as soon as possible,” several Democratic officials, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, expressed skepticism that the payments would be delivered quickly and efficiently.

» READ MORE: Shapiro signs a disaster declaration in Pa. to give aid to those facing food insecurity over SNAP benefits

While the judges’ rulings may provide a Band-Aid for SNAP, the need is expected to remain.

Even before the shutdown, food banks were struggling with federal cuts and high demand. Now, many federal workers are working without pay.

In recent weeks, food pantries across the region have been bombarded by phone calls from people looking to donate time or money. Largely defunct community fridges are getting new donations. And local businesses are carving out special hours for people who need a snack or a meal.

Meanwhile, others are taking a grassroots approach to mutual aid, akin to efforts seen in the early days of the pandemic. On social media, they are distributing lists of resources, sharing ideas for healthy low-cost meals, and becoming “grocery buddies” with neighbors in need, picking up the tab for their supermarket bills.

» READ MORE: SNAP benefits are freezing this Saturday. Here’s what Philadelphians need to know.

People like Gorski have been flooded with private messages from homebound seniors and mothers with children who have disabilities, as well as from people who don’t have cars to drive to food pantries. Some of them are too embarrassed to publicly ask for help.

After seeing the trend on Facebook, Erin Antoniak, the Philly-based recipe influencer and creator of Erin Lives Whole, became “grocery buddies” with a single mother of four children who lives in South Philly. The woman told Antoniak she was worried she would have to pick up a second job if SNAP benefits were to lapse.

“This is not something that I feel like I’m changing the world, but I do think it’s going to help,” said Antoniak, who had planned to pay for the family’s groceries through at least the end of November. “It takes one less worry off her plate.”

Earlier this week, Antoniak asked the woman “to make her dream grocery cart” and include “fun” foods alongside practical items like pasta and sandwich fixings. Before ordering the groceries, Antoniak doubled up on some of the woman’s longer-shelf-life selections, such as apple juice and frozen foods, then threw in treats like Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, French toast sticks, and popcorn.

The $300 haul was delivered on Wednesday, said Antoniak, who has encouraged her more than 500,000 followers to also give if they are able.

Others have flocked to local food pantries, offering to volunteer or asking how to donate.

Cindy Wedholm, executive director of Montgomery County’s Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard, attributes this increased interest to the widespread media coverage of the SNAP uncertainty.

“Word has gotten out,” she said. “Hunger is something a lot of people can relate to and a cause people can support.”

Regardless of whether SNAP is funded, pantries like Mattie Dixon are adding distribution days in response to the recent surge in demand.

» READ MORE: Government shutdown: What’s been affected so far and what could be next

The Germantown Community Fridge, which includes two fridge locations with ready-made meals and a monthly buffet, is also looking to ramp up its food distribution. Christine Schafer, who helps manage the cooking program, said the volunteer organization currently makes nearly 1,000 meals a month. With more demand and donations, the team plans to add a weekly cooking session to provide more meals.

Schafer said people have called offering to cook meals at home, which is always welcome, so long as the food is labeled with ingredients and the date.

“Our main goals for cooking are that it obviously tastes good, it’s nutritious, and it’s recognizable, something people want to eat,” Schafer said.

Some helpers are splitting their time and resources, assisting multiple families or becoming a “grocery buddy” and also donating to a community fridge.

Taylor Pacheco said she has been dropping off food at the fridge at 19th and South Streets, which has been running low. She has also sent digital grocery gift cards to two local moms who rely on SNAP.

“This is where the community has to step up and care for each other,” Pacheco said. “I think anyone who has enough to give should be giving, especially right now.”

In Pottstown, Stephanie Freed has been shopping for a few local families, including a single mother of five, and delivering the items to their homes.

“This time really calls for that connection, with a hug or a handshake, letting them know you’re in their corner,” Freed said.

It’s not a heavy lift, either: On her regular trip to Grocery Outlet, she said, she picked up items on three families’ lists — basics like eggs, milk, meat, and veggies — and spent just over $100 on the extra food.

When she dropped the groceries off, she was greeted by children full of after-school energy.

“I was overwhelmed with hugs,” Freed said. “It was really kind of wonderful.”