In Bucks County, where about 47,000 residents rely on SNAP, the local government and aid agencies are mobilizing
As the federal deadline for November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments arrived Saturday, state and local authorities, along with food banks, began enacting emergency measures to support close to 47,000 Bucks Countians and two million Pennsylvanians who missed the expected federal food aid.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, announced Friday the immediate release of $5 million in state funding to support the state’s charitable food network and signed a disaster declaration to expedite the process.
The action came as two federal judges ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to release the food assistance money, but the governor expressed doubt the administration would comply.
In a social media post, Trump said he doesn’t want Americans to go without food and blamed Democratic lawmakers. He stated that his administration does not believe they have the authority to pay SNAP funds with billions in reserve funds.
The missed payments — typically amounting to more than $366 million monthly statewide — impact about one in every eight Pennsylvanians, including over 713,000 children and 697,000 older adults.
In Bucks County, where about 47,000 residents rely on SNAP, the local government and aid agencies are mobilizing.
SNAP aid to Bucks Countians totals about $8.5 million each month, according to the Bucks County Opportunity Council.
The Bucks County Commissioners will consider an additional $200,000 in funding for providers next week.
The money comes on top of $150,000 approved in September to help food pantries, which are already strained by a prolonged state budget impasse that has required the county to front approximately $5 million in reserve funds each month to keep social services operating.
“There are tens of thousands of hard-working Bucks County residents who struggle every day to put food on the table for their families, and failures in the state Senate and federal government threaten to cut off the vital assistance they need,” said Bucks County Commissioner Chairperson Bob Harvie, a Democrat.
The county’s main food agency, the Bucks County Opportunity Council, announced it has dedicated $75,000 in emergency funding to assist families and bolster its food pantry network. The money will be used for emergency assistance and the bulk purchase of food.
“We can’t fill the entire gap left by the loss of SNAP, but we can take meaningful steps to support families and strengthen our pantry network during this time of uncertainty,” said Erin Lukoss, CEO of the Bucks County Opportunity Council.
The federal government’s refusal to issue the November SNAP benefits marks the first time in the program’s history that payments have been halted.
“There is 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,” Shapiro said at a news conference in Philadelphia.
Food banks across the state are bracing for a massive increase in need.
The $5 million in state funding will be distributed through Feeding Pennsylvania, a statewide association of nine food banks that serve more than 1.5 million people annually.
Feeding Pennsylvania CEO Julie Bancroft said their network is preparing for a 20 percent increase in demand in November, a surge that is already taxing resources.
“Pantries are seeing scared faces and longer lines, and this is happening at a time when we were already seeing record numbers,” said Lori Jones-Brown, CEO of Philabundance, the largest non-profit food bank in the greater Philadelphia region.
Lukoss’ organization has met with more than 50 pantry leaders to discuss the anticipated spike in demand and identify critical needs, including food donations and more volunteers.
In addition to state funds, Shapiro launched a private-sector fundraising effort, the SNAP Emergency Relief Fund, which has already collected more than $1 million from Pennsylvania business leaders.
The crisis is exacerbated by the state’s months-long budget stalemate, which has left nonprofit service providers in the lurch.
A recent report from the Bucks-Mont Collaborative, a group representing over 130 health and human service providers, detailed the impact, noting that 11 percent of surveyed organizations expect to make additional cuts if state funding remains frozen.
“The nonprofit sector has always stepped up, but the weight it’s carrying now is unbearable,” said Kristyn DiDominick, executive director of the Bucks-Mont Collaborative.
According to a county government news release, Bucks County may need to borrow money in the new year to help with social programs, including food aid, if the state and federal budget impasses continue.
State officials strongly criticized the federal government’s failure to fund the program.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Deputy Secretary Hoa Pham called the situation earlier this week an “avoidable crisis,” adding that the repercussions are “cruel and harmful to our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who need food on their tables.”
Recipients still have access to any unspent funds remaining on their Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, cards, which can be spent for a calendar year provided the card is used at least once every nine months, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
The SNAP funding expiration comes on top of the U.S. Department of Agriculture cutting $13 million in funding to help provide fresh, locally grown food for Pennsylvania food banks.
Those wishing to help or in need of assistance can contact local food banks or service groups, including the Bucks County Opportunity Council or Feeding Pennsylvania.
A list of food banks in Bucks County:
Bensalem Presbyterian Church
2826 Bristol Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
215-757-7800
Wednesday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
This food pantry only services zipcodes 19020, 19021, 19047 and 19053
Bible Evangelical Methodist Church
1601 Lakeland Ave
Bristol, PA 19007
215-498-1179
Wednesday: 6 – 8 p.m.
Thursday: 12 – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Bristol Borough Community Action Group, Inc.
99 Wood Street
Bristol, PA 19007
267-907-6368
Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bucks County Housing Group
Penndel Food Pantry
349 Durham Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-750-4344, ext. 104
Monday & Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 3 – 6 p.m.
CBC Bread of Life Food Pantry
225 Radcliffe St.
Bristol, PA 19007
267-878-0894
Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday: 12 – 1:15 p.m.
Cares Cupboard
Penndel Mental Health Center
2080 Cabot Blvd., Ste. 100
Langhorne, PA 19047
267-587-2300
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Christian Care at Calvary Baptist Church (Bristol)
250 Green Ln.
Bristol, PA 19007
A Church of Living Hope Cares Food Pantry
Tuesday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
A Church of Living Hope Cares Food Pantry
1271 E. Maple Avenue
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-757-8782
Thursday: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Please call for an appointment
Emergency Relief Association of Lower Bucks County
580 Middletown Blvd.
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-547-1676
Monday: 6 – 7:45 p.m.
Wednesday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Faith Baptist Church
1515 Wister Road
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
215-946-7550
Tuesday: 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:30 – 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Visit website to sign up for pantry appt.,
faithbaptistfoodbank.com
Family Service Association of Bucks County
4 Cornerstone Dr.
Langhorne, PA 19047
Ph: 215-208-7233
Monday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Food Pantry at First United Methodist Church of Bristol
201 Mulberry Street
Bristol, PA 19007
267-202-1742
Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Thursday 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Greater Works Food Pantry
Love Fellowship Tabernacle
5918 Hulmeville Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
215-741-0525
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Curbside pick-up available.
Harvest Ministries
Cornwells United Methodist Church
2284 Bristol Pike
Bensalem, PA 19020
215-639-0436
Tuesday & Friday: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. appt. only
Wednesday: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Signups are by appt. only, done via the Signup Genius app or
link on our Facebook page.
Interfaith Food Alliance Pantry for food insecure children &
their families in Morrisville.
501 Maple Ave.
Morrisville, PA 19067
215-378-0202
2nd & 4th Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tuesday: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., the week prior to Saturday pick ups
Lester Bahrt Pantry
First United Methodist Church
840 Trenton Road
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
215-946-5800
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mary’s Cupboard
100 Levittown Parkway
Levittown, PA 19054
215-949-1991
Wednesday and Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Please call for an appointment.
Mitzvah Food Pantry
2909 Bristol Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
215-752-3468
Tuesday: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
The Food Center at Morrisville Presbyterian Church
771 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
Morrisville, PA 19067
215-295-4191
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
First Tuesday of each month: 7 p.m.
New Creations of Life Community Pantry
5401 Beaver Dam Road,
Bristol, PA 19007
267-945-4881
Tuesday & Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Philadelphia Christian Food Pantry Center
2990 Street Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
215-639-7000
Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Salvation Army of Lower Bucks
215 Appletree Drive
Levittown, PA 19055
215-945-0717 ext. 19
Tuesday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Scheduled appointments are available upon request.
Soulful Blessings
Second Baptist Church of Bristol
640 Race Street
Bristol, PA 19007
215-788-1440
Tuesday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday: 1 – 3 p.m.
St. Stephens Lutheran Church Food Pantry
65 East Street Road
Feasterville, PA 19053
267-261-8672
By appointment only. Please call.
YWCA of Bucks County
Country Commons Family Center Food Pantry
3338 Richlieu Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
215-639-5853
Monday: 12- 2:30 p.m. Please call in advance.
Bucks County Housing Group
Doylestown Food Pantry
470 Old Dublin Pike
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-4311, ext.101
Sunday: 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Wednesday: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
For hours not listed, please call for an appointment.
Jesus Focus Ministry
1717 Street Rd.
Southampton, PA 18966
215-208-3826
Monday through Friday 9-11:30 a.m.
Hatboro Community Cupboard
505 N. York Rd.
Hatboro, PA 19040
215-675-2031
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:30 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
Thursday: 6 p.m.-7:50 p.m.
Dublin Food Pantry at Living Hope Community Church
22 H West Route 313
Perkasie, PA 18944
215-249-1133
Friday: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
New Britain
Food Pantry
22 East Butler Avenue
New Britain, PA 18901
215-345-9170
Monday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–12p.m.
St. Phillips Episcopal Church
10 Chapel Road
New Hope, PA 18938
215-862-5782
Every Thursday 3pm – 5pm
Warminster Food Bank
495 E. County Line Rd., Town & Country Shopping Ctr., Hatboro, PA 19040
215-323-4797
Monday & Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Call for an appointment.
Warrington Fellowship Church
(Food Pantry located in Frazier Hall)
1455 Cooper Lane
Warrington, PA 18976
Thursday: 6 – 7 p.m.
215-200-0733
Willow Grove Baptist Church
3600 Welsh Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
215-813-4931
Monday & Saturday: 11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Thursday: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Christ’s Cupboard Food Pantry
Providence Presbyterian Church
2200 Krammes Rd. (Milford Township)
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-536-2881
3rd Saturday of month: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
FEAST Pantry
218 E. Broad St.
Trumbauersville, PA 18970
215-536-3193
Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday: 6 – 8 p.m.
3rd Saturday of month: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fresh For All – Grace Bible Church (parking lot)
423 Main Street, Souderton, PA 18964
215-723-3992
Tuesday: 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Heaven’s Bounty
Quakertown First Church of the Brethren
455 Trumbauersville Road
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-536-1317
Tuesday & Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Keystone Opportunity Center
104 Main Street
Souderton, PA 18964
215-723-5430
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
First Thursday of the month: 4 – 6 p.m.
Souderton School District Only
The Lord’s Pantry
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
4050 Durham Road (Route 412)
Ottsville, PA 18942
610-847-2402
Monday: 2 – 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pennridge FISH
800 West Chestnut Street
Perkasie, PA 18944
215-257-7616
[email protected]
Monday and Wednesday: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
To receive food, you should be a resident of the Pennridge School District.
Quakertown Food Pantry
101 B 3rd Street
P.O. Box 278
Quakertown, PA 18951
Ph: 215-536-0240
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 6 – 8 p.m.
St. Isidore’s Food Pantry – Old Parish Office
603 W. Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951
Ph: 215-326-9127
Tuesday & Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
