About Us

Contact:
Carey Morgan, Director
Coalition Against Hunger
215-430-0555
cmorgan@hungercoalition.org

Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger

History

The Coalition can trace its roots to the late 1970s when a variety of Philadelphia-area anti-hunger organizations began to function in unison to combat hunger. This loosely knit group established some of the current anti-hunger organizations in the area: the Greater Philadelphia Food Bank (now the Philabundance Food Bank, Philabundance and SHARE (Self Help and Resource Exchange).

With hunger statistics at startling levels, members of these anti-hunger groups recognized the importance of a unified, organized front and came together in 1996 to form the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger. The Coalition celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2006. For a 10 year timeline of accomplishments, visit www.hungercoalition.org/aboutus/history/annivhistory.html

Governed by a steering committee of anti-hunger experts, the Coalition operates under the fiscal and legal umbrella of the SHARE Food Program, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With a small, dedicated staff, the organization actively engages volunteers from faith-based organizations, college campuses, emergency feeding programs, and social service agencies, as well as other anti-hunger advocates, to help fulfill its mission: to serve as a catalyst for collective action around the issue of hunger in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Community education and mobilization to help raise awareness of hunger issues has become a main focus for the Coalition. Striving to assist the 255,000 Southeastern Pennsylvania individuals who are forced to reduce meals to survive, the Coalition has developed an aggressive, multi-faceted outreach program.

Food Stamp Task Force

The Coalition formed a Food Stamp Task Force in 2002 to determine why participation in the Food Stamp Program has been declining. Members from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Philadelphia’s County Assistance Office and a variety of legal and social service organizations are currently working to effect public policy and administrative changes that would increase awareness of the program and improve access. A sub-committee is also currently meeting to discuss ways to make the COMPASS online application more user-friendly and operationally standardized.

Food Stamp Screening and Application Assistance Program

The Coalition adopted a comprehensive food stamp screening and application assistance process after studies indicated a decline in program participation. Screening helps determine eligibility for the Food Stamp Program, offers a rough estimate of the food stamp monthly benefit, and often includes further application assistance. Typically, Coalition staff and volunteers help eligible families apply on-line for food stamps using the state's on-line gateway to public benefits, COMPASS. This process is quick, helping applicants avoid unnecessary visits to the 17 Philadelphia District County Assistance Offices. Coalition staff and volunteers can assist these individuals in-person at various sites around the city and via the Food Stamp Information Hotline.at 215-430-0556

For the past three years the Coalition has run a major advertising campaign focused on the Food Stamp Program. Working with SEPTA, the Coalition's message is being featured on busses, el trains and subway cars throughout Philadelphia.

To date, Coalition staff and volunteers have screened more than 18,000 families for food stamp eligibility.

Hunger Publications

The Coalition uses its two main publications to educate the public: a quarterly newsletter, On the Frontline, and a fall-issued news report, Hunger Feedback. The newsletter highlights upcoming anti-hunger events, spotlights volunteer efforts, and reports on relevant legislation. Hunger Feedback, the news report, personalizes hunger in Southeastern Pennsylvania by offering current statistics on hungry and food-insecure households and action steps for individuals to be part of the solution. Additionally, our website, www.hungercoalition.org, offers a comprehensive view of issues and programs.

First Tuesdays

Promoting internal education through monthly gatherings of volunteers serving in food cupboards and soup kitchens, First Tuesdays help the Coalition keep abreast of current issues, develop tactics to combat hunger and encourage sharing of resources. First Tuesdays allows for communication, education, and leadership development.

Advocacy Efforts

Marrying a variety of advocacy strategies, the Coalition urges increased funding for food and nutrition programs, supportive anti-hunger legislation, grassroots efforts to attract attention to the issues at hand, and a continued commitment to ridding the area of hungry and food-insecure households.

The Walk Against Hunger

The Walk Against Hunger brings people together to raise funds to assist struggling families in the region with food and other resources. Last year thousands of people raised over $250,000, including corporate support, and enjoyed a morning of exercise, snacks, entertainment and fun. The funds raised were distributed to over 100 agencies in Southeastern Pennsylvania that provide food and other services to those in need. This year's Walk date is Saturday, April 14th.

Fundraising

The Coalition draws its operating budget from government grants, foundation grants, and individual donations. Funds earmarked for the Coalition raised through the Walk Against Hunger also help support the Coalition's ongoing programs.

Debuted in the fall 2003, the Nourish Your Soul Community Cookbook offers home-cooked recipes from area emergency food cupboards and soup kitchens, and a compelling narrative describing the experiences and motivations of their tireless volunteers. Also, Tamika Patton, a local gospel singer, has shared her talents with the Coalition by recording The Children’s Song CD. Individuals donating $25 and $50 will receive a thank you of the CD or the Cookbook, respectively.