Using data gained through its work with food pantries and food stamp (SNAP) clients, the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger advocates for responsible policy to meet the real needs in the community.

The Coalition Against Hunger is one of Pennsylvania’s leading advocates on SNAP policy, working closely with the Department of Public Welfare to improve state administration of the program. On the federal level, the Coalition partners with other advocacy organizations to improve food and nutrition policies through the Farm Bill, which funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act, which provides food to low-income children throughout the year.

In 2010, the Coalition:

• Worked alongside advocates and government officials to protect Philadelphia’s universal feeding program, which allows more than 121,000 students in low-income schools to eat free meals without submitting paperwork. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 authorized three districts nationwide to use this model as part of a demonstration project.
• Led a coalition of non-profit, foundation and government groups in a pilot project that provided Philadelphia WIC families an additional $60 each in farmers’ market vouchers.  This project substantially increased voucher redemption rates, bringing countless additional pounds of fresh produce to low-income families and an additional $1.3 million to Pennsylvania farmers.

The Coalition’s 2011 advocacy agenda includes:

• Leading area advocates in developing an agenda for the upcoming Farm Bill, which ensures families continued access to the food and nutrition supports they need.
• Evaluating the results of the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program pilot project and identifying specific FMNP policy recommendations for the Farm Bill.
• Working with state legislators to secure adequate funding for food, nutrition, and other programs for low-income families, who are still reeling from the recession.
• Continuing to work with the Department of Public Welfare to streamline the SNAP application and renewal process.