Coalition News

News Alert

As Food Stamp Applications Hit All-Time High, Gov. Rendell’s Hiring Freeze Hinders Approvals

More than 365,000 Philadelphia residents—a quarter of the city’s entire population—receive food stamps (now called SNAP). The latest figure marks an all-time high for the city, surpassing even the number of people receiving food stamps prior to the federal welfare reforms of 1996.

The state must respond to the needs of Pennsylvanians hit hardest by this economic crisis. Unfortunately, its Department of Public Welfare offices—tasked with helping the state’s most vulnerable residents—are ill-equipped to handle the soaring number of food stamp applications. Like nearly all state employees, caseworkers are subject to the hiring freeze implemented by Gov. Rendell last October. As a result, welfare offices across Pennsylvania are struggling to keep up with applications, making it nearly impossible for caseworkers to adequately assist people applying for aid.

Today, there are 26 percent fewer caseworkers approving food stamp applications in Philadelphia than there were six years ago, although the number of applications risen dramatically. In the past year alone, applications have increased by 9 percent and food stamp caseloads have increased by 10 percent.

The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger annually helps more than 3,400 Philadelphians apply for food stamps. Over the past eight months, the Coalition has received hundreds of complaints from applicants unable to contact their caseworkers.

Applying for food stamps is a complicated and daunting process, requiring an interview with a caseworker and up to a dozen forms of supporting documentation. Caseworkers who handle food stamp applications review applications for other public benefits, as well. “An applicant can be denied for any number of reasons, which is why it’s critical that caseworkers have adequate time to process each application,” says Rachel Meeks, the Coalition’s Food Stamp Enrollment Campaign manager.

For more on how the state’s hiring freeze has delayed food-stamp applications, check out Alfred Lubrano’s article in the July 2 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

 

Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger holds Walk Against Hunger
Celebration July 7
$140,000 to be presented to food pantries and soup kitchens

On July 7, the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger will host its annual Walk Against Hunger Celebration, where it will present nearly $140,000 in checks to 98 food pantries and soup kitchens. The event, which will also include a Soup Kitchen Cook-Off, will take place at Resurrection Baptist Church from noon to 2 p.m.

Nearly $250,000 was raised by individuals and companies who participated in the Coalition’s Walk Against Hunger in April. The money—which pantries may use to purchase food, equipment or to meet other needs—is especially important this year. Demand for food at Philadelphia food cupboards is up 33 percent from last year, while the cost of food has shot up 20 percent. Additional money raised will go toward Coalition programs that help build capacity in food pantries and soup kitchens.

In addition to the check presentations, food pantry coordinators and other supporters will participate in a Soup Kitchen Cook-Off. Chef Delilah Winder of Delilah’s Southern Cuisine—who has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, Oprah and the Food Network—will once again serve as the event’s celebrity judge.

Members of the media should contact Ronna Bolante at 215-430-0555 ext. 105 or rbolante@hungercoalition.org.

 

Advocacy Alert

Help eligible families in Pennsylvania receive Food Stamps by opposing Senate Bill 9! Today, more than 100,000 Philadelphia residents eligible for benefits don’t receive them—for a multitude of reasons. Senate Bill 9, known as “The Proof of Citizenship for Receipt of Public Benefits Act,” would create another barrier for the growing number of hungry Philadelphians in this economic recession.

Find out how you can help by clicking here.

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Update: 2009 Walk Against Hunger

Despite some April showers, more than 1,500 people—including Mayor Michael Nutter—came out to this year’s Walk Against Hunger on April 11th to support their hungry neighbors. To date, the event has raised more than $200,000 for 120 feeding programs in Philadelphia.

Pantries need your help more than ever.

It’s not too late for you to donate! To contribute, please visit www.hungerwalk.org.

 

2009 Walk Against Hunger T-shirts can still be purchased for $7 each or three for $15. Sizes available are: Large, Extra-Large and 2X. To order, please call 215-769-0659 or stop by our office at 1725 Fairmount Ave., Unit 102.

 

Get Food, Give Back

Need a break on your grocery bill? The SHARE (Self Help and Resource Exchange) Food Program of PA offers residents of all income levels discounted food in exchange for a little volunteer time. For every two hours volunteered, you can purchase a package containing $45 of meat, fresh fruits and vegetables and other items for just half the price. For more information, please call 215-223-2220 or visit www.sharefoodprogram.org.

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See us on SEPTA

The Coalition’s 2009 SEPTA ad campaign is out! Keep your eyes peeled for our ads on buses and trains around the city, and help spread the word about our Food Stamp Hotline: 215-430-0556.

Thank You, Mazon!

The Coalition would like to thank MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger for awarding us a generous grant of $12,000 for our advocacy work. The funding will aid the Coalition’s continued push for much needed changes at the federal, state and local levels to benefit all Philadelphians at risk for hunger, including:

• Expanding the Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill with a strong emphasis on universal breakfast in all Philadelphia schools;
• Raising the gross income limit for food stamp applicants to 160 percent of the federal poverty line to help more working families make ends meet;
• Assisting the advocacy work performed by and on behalf of feeding programs in Philadelphia.

To learn more about MAZON, please visit: www.mazon.org.

The Coalition would also like to thank Land O’Lakes for their grant award of $1,000, which will support our work with Philadelphia food pantries and soup kitchens, including our monthly First Tuesday roundtable discussions and the Delancey Food Security Coalition.

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