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 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 2009, the Coalition:

• Led local anti-hunger advocates in creating Philadelphia’s Anti-Hunger Policy Platform, which resulted in major policy reforms, including: 1) the extension of Philadelphia’s universal feeding program, which allows more than 120,000 students in low-income schools to eat free meals without submitting paperwork; and 2) Pennsylvania’s decision to raise the income limits for SNAP from 130% to 160%—a first in nearly 30 years.  

• Provided research and analysis for the offices of Philadelphia’s Congressional Delegation; Mayor Michael Nutter and multiple state legislators.
• Helped convene the first-ever Mayor’s Task Force on Hunger, a 12-member body that resulted in hunger being recognized as the key issue for Philadelphia’s National Public Health Week.

The Coalition’s 2010 advocacy agenda includes:

• Calling on Congress to improve the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act by 1) funding pilot projects to increase participation in school meals, such as Philadelphia’s successful universal feeding  program; 2) increasing funding for schools to provide healthier meals; 3) streamlining the enrollment process for school meals. 
• Urging the state to raise the income limits for SNAP benefits from 160% to 200% of the federal poverty level. 
• Increasing the value of Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers for low-income mothers and children through the federal WIC program.  
• Continuing to work with the Department of Public Welfare to streamline the SNAP application and renewal process.