There is no single solution to hunger in the Philadelphia region. That is why it is imperative that government, businesses, nonprofits and the public work together to eradicate hunger in our community.

As this fight continues, there are two main lines of defense against hunger:

SNAP (Food Stamps) and Federal Nutrition Programs
More than 460,000 Philadelphia residents now receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, which were formerly known as food stamps. SNAP helps low-income people buy groceries, which frees up money to cover other needs, like rent, heat and medicine. However, there are still more than 150,000 Philadelphia residents who qualify for SNAP who do not participate in the program.

The federal government also funds other hunger-relief programs, including WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children), the National School Lunch Program; the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program for Children and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens
There are at least 700 food pantries and soup kitchens in Philadelphia. In fiscal year 2010, food pantries helped more than 411,000 people in Philadelphia; one-third of those helped were children. Many food pantries receive food through Pennsylvania’s State Food Purchase Program.

Learn HOW YOU CAN HELP