PITTSTON, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro has declared a disaster emergency and mobilized more than $7 million in state and private funds to support food banks across Pennsylvania after the federal government halted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments during the ongoing government shutdown.
The move comes as nearly two million Pennsylvanians face a lapse in November SNAP benefits. Shapiro announced $5 million in state funding for Feeding Pennsylvania’s network of food banks — including $288,992 for the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Luzerne County — along with an additional $2 million in private donations secured through the new SNAP Emergency Relief Fund.
“Nearly two million Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP every month — and they shouldn’t have to wonder where their next meal will come from because of dysfunction in Washington,” said Governor Shapiro. “There’s no substitute for the federal government’s decision not to release SNAP benefits, but my Administration is stepping up to use every tool we have — state resources, private sector support, and the compassion of our communities — to keep our food banks stocked and our families fed. The federal government has the money to keep people fed — they’re just refusing to use it. In Pennsylvania, I won’t let our families or food banks shoulder that burden alone.”
Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank CEO Jennifer Warabak said the need is rising sharply as supplies tighten. “The pressure on food banks is mounting, with increased need against a backdrop of dwindling supplies,” Warabak said. “That’s why financial support, like the Commonwealth’s emergency funding, and community donations are absolutely vital right now. They help local food programs meet urgent needs while families wait for their benefits to be restored. Even if you are not personally experiencing these delays, the issue deserves both your attention and your compassion. Our community’s strength lies in our collective welfare.”
Governor Shapiro joined 24 other states and Washington, D.C., in suing the Trump Administration for unlawfully suspending SNAP payments and failing to use contingency funds already approved by Congress. A federal judge has ordered the government to release partial funding, though state officials warn that distribution could take weeks.
Senator Marty Flynn called the Governor’s decision “the right one,” adding, “Governor Shapiro made the right decision by providing $5 million in state assistance to strengthen Pennsylvania’s food banks during this critical time. When federal support is withheld, it is important that we act swiftly to ensure families can continue putting food on the table. This emergency funding will help our charitable food network meet rising demand and keep communities across the Commonwealth fed. That is what responsible leadership looks like, stepping up to protect Pennsylvanians when they need it most.”
Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, Chair of the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, said, “We’re here today because we’re stepping up to protect families in need and ensure no one goes without food due to the Trump administration’s refusal to fund November SNAP benefits. Thanks to Governor Shapiro’s leadership, his emergency declaration brought in $5 million to support the charitable Food Network Feeding Pennsylvania, which will distribute resources to 13 food banks, including Weinberg. This funding allows us to move resources faster and get food where it’s needed most, ensuring Pennsylvanians can make it through until the federal government acts.”
The disaster declaration also activates the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, connecting food banks with local farmers to provide fresh produce statewide. Since 2015, the program has distributed more than $35 million in food assistance, with $11 million delivered under the Shapiro Administration.
Governor Shapiro urged residents to help their neighbors by donating money, food, or time to local food banks. Those in need can find assistance at feedingpa.org, pa-navigate.org, or by calling 211 for local resources.
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