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JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry steps up

The government shutdown is affecting our community. Government employees in this area are missing paychecks, and government benefits like SNAP (Food Stamps) may be in jeopardy in March. JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry is trying to prepare for families that may have trouble making ends meet and turn to us for food assistance. We are reaching out to you asking for help setting up a network of emergency food drives.

We don’t know how long the shutdown will last, but news reports don’t show any headway being made in Washington. There are many unknowns in this unprecedented situation, but we are trying our best to prepare for our community’s needs in advance.

A family receiving food stamps relies on that subsidy for about 75% of their family’s total monthly food budget. A statement from the USDA says that February SNAP benefits will be issued early on January 18th. Families are supposed to try to make them last till the end of February. And then, who knows?

We need your help setting up food drives at your place of work, synagogues, schools and gathering places.  Cash donations and grocery gift cards are also welcome. You can make a donation online now.

How to set up a food drive:

  1. Designate a box, table or room for donations
  2. Advertise the drive to your network
  3. Collect donations
  4. Drop off donations at the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry (check open hours here)

If you have any questions, please be in touch at 412-586-3778.

If anyone in your network needs the support of the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry – please reach out right away, 412.421.2708 or email foodpantry@jfcspgh.org. Thank you for your continued support of our neighbors struggling to weather a tough time.