HARRISBURG, PA − October 28, 2025 − Today, Senate Democrats held a press event where they presented Pennsylvania Food Bank and Hunger Relief Grant Program, legislation that would allocate $50 million from the Department of Agriculture’s Rainy Day Fund to send to food banks, an additional $10 million for Meals on Wheels and another $2 million to cover administrative costs. This program will support 18 food banks and is vital to addressing food insecurity and hunger resulting from the Republican federal government shutdown.
Twenty-two members of the Senate Democratic Caucus have signed on to co-sponsor the Pennsylvania Food Bank and Hunger Relief Grant Program, introduced as Senate Bill 1080.
Nearly one in eight Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP, and the Trump administration’s decision to withhold nearly $366 million in monthly payments places an extraordinary burden on Pennsylvania’s food banks and charitable food systems.
Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus expressed that while the Commonwealth does not have the capacity to replace the approximately $366 million in monthly SNAP benefits that Pennsylvanians receive from the federal government, the Legislature has the resources to facilitate food banks keep their shelves stocked to respond to increased demand when SNAP benefits end on November 1, 2025.
“This is an emergency situation,” he said Senator Art Haywood, Democratic chairman of the State Senate’s Health and Human Services Committee. “SNAP food benefits will end on Saturday, November 1 if the federal suspension continues. This will crush families and neighbors across Pennsylvania, and these changes will leave people hungry. It’s hard to be in a more egregious situation than withholding food from our neighbors. Denying people food is a violation of their dignity.”
“Food banks are incredibly resilient and efficient. Yet we face a perfect storm of resource constraints, from unpaid federal workers turning to the charitable food system to vital funding for key hunger-relief programs being held back in the face of state budget impasse.” said Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding PA. “Now a potential wave of two million people who won’t be able to access SNAP benefits will have to rely on food banks. Food banks need help to best serve their neighbors during this crisis.”
“With the loss of SNAP in November, we now face an acute hunger crisis on top of the already existing one,” he said. Shila Ulrich, CEO of the Central Food Bank of Pennsylvania. “We have seen a 44% increase in hunger over the last two years, while the costs of food, fuel and distribution remain high. Every week we meet more working families – people with jobs – who are choosing between groceries, rent and medicine. This is an ongoing structural crisis that requires policy stability and leadership from both parties. Food banks are strong – we have been strong and resilient – but we cannot fill the gaps left by prolonged inaction.”
“If this isn’t a crisis, I don’t know what is.” said Senator Judy Schwank. “Using hunger as a political weapon is unthinkable. One of the greatest benefits of SNAP is that it provides people with fresh, healthy, local food. Farmers benefit from consistent sales, and families receive nutritious food that helps build bodies and live well. Everyone wins. But it won’t happen in November, and the devastation will be felt not only in Pennsylvania. It will spread across the country.”
“I want to encourage everyone to donate and volunteer at their local food banks. But make no mistake, charitable food pantries cannot meet the demand or infrastructure that SNAP leaves behind.” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “The federal government is counting on our sense of decency not to let people starve while building the giant golden ballroom in the White House.”
Earlier today Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania has joined the multi-state lawsuit Require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to operate available congressionally appropriated emergency funds to pay for SNAP benefits for November.
You can rewatch today’s press conference here. Downloadable footage is available upon request.
Learn more about Pennsylvania Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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