Montgomery County has designated $500,000 in food assistance funds to address the urgent needs of residents as the federal government shutdown threatens vital benefits. This announcement was made on October 31, 2023, during a press conference at the nonprofit organization Manna on Main Street in Lansdale. With the government stalemate now nearing a month, officials expressed deep concern for the thousands who may lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if funding is not renewed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated that no SNAP benefits will be issued after November 1, raising alarms among local officials. Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairman Neil Makhija criticized the inaction of legislators in Washington, labeling the situation as a “manufactured crisis.” He emphasized the responsibility of local leaders to take decisive action to combat hunger in the community.
In his remarks, Makhija stated, “The federal government has made its choice. They are choosing not to step in and end hunger. So here we are. Montgomery County has made a choice to step up.” The funds will be directed toward supporting “Montco neighbors in need,” a move aimed at temporarily alleviating the impact of the anticipated SNAP cuts.
The county’s decision comes as nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians face the prospect of losing their SNAP benefits, including approximately 63,000 residents in Montgomery County alone. According to a spokesperson, SNAP contributes around $12 million monthly to households in the county, highlighting its critical importance for food security.
Commissioner Jamila Winder expressed frustration with the political dynamics at play, stating, “It is absolutely unacceptable for our elected leaders to use our seniors and our children as pawns in their fight for power.” She called for collective action, urging community members and organizations to contribute to local food pantries during this challenging time.
The impact of the federal shutdown is compounded by ongoing budgetary disputes within the Pennsylvania General Assembly, which has failed to pass a state budget since June 30, 2023. This impasse has left over $25 million in aid for food pantries in limbo. In response to the crisis, Montgomery County officials are advocating for state-level initiatives to provide immediate relief for food security organizations.
Emma Hertz, President and CEO of HealthSpark Foundation, also spoke at the press conference, highlighting the role of local nonprofits in addressing food insecurity. Her organization plans to direct an additional $200,000 in emergency grant funds to food security initiatives across the county. “When we get angry, we take action,” Hertz remarked, reinforcing the need for immediate support for those affected by the shutdown.
Manna on Main Street, which plays a vital role in supplying food to those in need, reported record-high visits in October, with 1,670 households seeking assistance. The Executive Director, Suzan Neiger Gould, noted that this figure surpassed any previous monthly total, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. “These are your neighbors, your friends, the people you see every day,” she said, stressing that food insecurity can affect anyone.
Officials are calling on the community to contribute, whether through monetary donations or food items, to sustain local pantries. Neiger Gould emphasized, “Please support your local pantries because they need it. They really do.” The county’s proactive measures highlight the ongoing challenges posed by political inaction at the federal level and the resilience of local communities in addressing urgent needs.
