Delaware County Launches emergency Food Drive Amid SNAP Benefit Uncertainty
Table of Contents
- 1. Delaware County Launches emergency Food Drive Amid SNAP Benefit Uncertainty
- 2. Addressing a Critical Need
- 3. Community-Led Effort to Combat Hunger
- 4. Food Drive details and Donation Guidelines
- 5. The Growing Crisis of Food Insecurity
- 6. What percentage of Delaware County residents currently utilize SNAP benefits?
- 7. Delaware County Council Launches County-Wide Food Drive Amid Federal Shutdown and SNAP Uncertainty to Support Families in Need
- 8. Addressing Immediate Food Insecurity in Delaware County
- 9. Understanding the SNAP Situation & Shutdown Impact
- 10. Food Drive Details: How to Donate & Where to Find Help
- 11. Donation Drop-Off Locations
- 12. Most Needed Food Items
- 13. Resources for Families in Need: Accessing Food Assistance
- 14. County Council’s Commitment to Food Security
- 15. Volunteer Opportunities & Community Involvement
- 16. The Role of Local Food Banks & Pantries
- 17. Long-Term Food Security Strategies
Springfield, PA – Delaware County officials announced an immediate response to growing concerns surrounding potential delays or reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, triggered by the ongoing federal government shutdown. A county-wide food drive will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, aimed at bolstering local food pantries and assisting families in need.
Addressing a Critical Need
More than two million Pennsylvanians, including over 77,000 Delaware County residents, rely on SNAP benefits each month to afford groceries. The current impasse in Washington D.C. raises the specter of immediate food shortages for many households, even if a resolution is ultimately reached. Local leaders emphasize that food insecurity is a persistent challenge,especially as the holiday season approaches.
“The uncertainty surrounding federal funding for SNAP has understandably caused significant anxiety among our neighbors,” stated Council Vice Chair Richard Womack. “It is unacceptable that individuals and families should have to choose between essential expenses like housing and healthcare, and putting food on the table.”
Community-Led Effort to Combat Hunger
The Delaware County Community Food Drive represents a collaborative effort between the county Council and the Department of Human Services,designed to fortify the County’s network of food assistance providers and ensure residents have access to essential resources. The initiative aims to replenish pantry shelves.
Council chair Dr. Monica Taylor highlighted the spirit of community that drives this response. “Delaware County consistently demonstrates its commitment to supporting its residents,” said Dr. Taylor. “This food drive is a testament to our community’s willingness to come together and ensure no family goes hungry.”
Food Drive details and Donation Guidelines
The Delaware County Community Food Drive will take place in the front parking lot of cardinal O’Hara High School, located at 1701 South Sproul Road, Springfield. The event will proceed rain or shine, employing a contactless, drive-up collection system.
Volunteers from the Delaware County Citizen Corps will direct traffic flow, guiding motorists to enter from the northbound lane of Route 320 (Sproul Road) and assisting with unloading donations. All contributions will be equally distributed among participating local food pantries.
Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable, unopened food items with current expiration dates. High-priority items include:
- Rice
- Dried beans (kidney, black, red, pinto, garbanzo, lentils, lima, navy, black-eyed peas, chickpeas)
- Vegetable oil, mustard oil, and olive oil
- Chickpea, wheat, Maseca, and corn flour
- Sugar and cereal
- Peanut butter and jelly
Canned vegetables and fruits, canned tuna or chicken, soups, stews, and pasta are also greatly appreciated. Infant formula and baby food should be placed in separate bags for easy identification.
Participating food pantries include Multicultural Community & Family Services and Murphy’s Giving Market in Upper darby; Mt. Zion CME Church in Sharon Hill; the Bernardine center and Chester Eastside in Chester; Lifewerks in Wallingford; the Media Food Bank in Media; and Loaves & Fishes in Prospect Park.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, November 8, 2025 |
| Time | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Location | Cardinal O’Hara High School, 1701 South Sproul Road, Springfield |
| Contact | Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas: (484) 486-4895 or [email protected] |
Did You Know? Food insecurity affects individuals from all walks of life, and can have long-term impacts on health and well-being.
Pro Tip: Check the expiration dates on all donated items to ensure they are safe for consumption.
The Growing Crisis of Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is a complex issue rooted in poverty, unemployment, and systemic inequities. According to Feeding America, over 34 million people, including 9 million children, experienced food insecurity in the United States in 2023. While SNAP provides a critical safety net, it often falls short of meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in times of economic hardship or natural disasters.
Beyond immediate hunger relief, addressing food insecurity requires long-term solutions focused on job creation, affordable housing, and access to healthcare. Community-based initiatives like food banks and pantries play a vital role in bridging the gap, but sustained public and private investment is essential to achieve lasting change.
What are your thoughts on the role of community-driven initiatives in addressing systemic issues like food insecurity? Do you believe additional funding is needed to strengthen safety nets like SNAP?
Share your comments below and help us continue the conversation.
What percentage of Delaware County residents currently utilize SNAP benefits?
Delaware County Council Launches County-Wide Food Drive Amid Federal Shutdown and SNAP Uncertainty to Support Families in Need
Addressing Immediate Food Insecurity in Delaware County
The Delaware County Council has announced a thorough, county-wide food drive, effective immediately, in response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and growing uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) benefits. This initiative aims to bolster food security for vulnerable families and individuals within the county, anticipating increased need due to potential disruptions in federal aid. The food drive is a proactive measure to mitigate the impact of the shutdown on local residents relying on crucial assistance programs.
Understanding the SNAP Situation & Shutdown Impact
The current federal shutdown has raised serious concerns about the timely distribution of SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps.While funding is currently authorized for October benefits, future disbursements are uncertain. This uncertainty disproportionately affects low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who depend on SNAP to afford groceries.
* Potential SNAP Cuts: The shutdown could led to significant reductions in SNAP funding if a resolution isn’t reached quickly.
* Increased Demand at Food Banks: Local food banks and pantries are bracing for a surge in demand as SNAP recipients face potential benefit delays or reductions.
* Delaware county Vulnerability: Delaware County has a significant population relying on SNAP assistance,making the community especially vulnerable to the effects of the shutdown. According to recent county data, approximately 15% of residents utilize SNAP benefits.
Food Drive Details: How to Donate & Where to Find Help
The Delaware County food drive will run through November 30th, 2025. Residents and businesses are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items at designated drop-off locations throughout the county.
Donation Drop-Off Locations
* County Government Center: 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
* All Delaware county Libraries: Check individual library websites for specific hours.
* Participating Acme Markets: A list of participating Acme locations will be available on the Delaware County website (delawarecounty.gov).
* Local Fire Stations: Many fire stations are serving as drop-off points. Contact your local station for confirmation.
Most Needed Food Items
Donations of the following items are particularly appreciated:
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned meats and fish (tuna, chicken, salmon)
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Pasta and rice
- cereal and oatmeal
- Soup and broth
- Baby food and formula
- Shelf-stable milk
Resources for Families in Need: Accessing Food Assistance
For residents experiencing food insecurity, the following resources are available:
* Delaware County Community Action Agency: Offers emergency food assistance and referrals to other support services. (610-891-4900)
* Food Bank of Delaware: Provides food to a network of partner agencies throughout the county. (302-292-3533)
* Manna Food Center: Serves residents in central and eastern Delaware County. (610-871-6585)
* 211 Delaware County: A free,confidential helpline that connects residents with health and human service programs. Simply dial 211.
* Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA): Provides assistance to seniors facing food insecurity. (610-891-4800)
County Council’s Commitment to Food Security
“We recognize the anxiety and hardship this federal shutdown is causing for many of our residents,” stated Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer. “This food drive is a direct response to that need, and we are committed to ensuring that no family in Delaware County goes hungry.” The County Council is also actively monitoring the SNAP situation and advocating for a swift resolution to the federal shutdown. They are working with state and federal representatives to explore all available options to protect SNAP benefits for Delaware County residents.
Volunteer Opportunities & Community Involvement
The Delaware County Council is also seeking volunteers to assist with the food drive. Opportunities include:
* Sorting and packing food donations
* Distributing food at local pantries
* Collecting donations at drop-off locations
Interested individuals can sign up to volunteer through the VolunteerMatch website (https://www.volunteermatch.org/) or by contacting the Delaware County Department of Human Services. Local businesses are encouraged to organize food drives within their workplaces and partner with the County Council to maximize impact.
The Role of Local Food Banks & Pantries
Local food banks and pantries are the backbone of food assistance in Delaware County. Thes organizations rely heavily on donations and volunteers to meet the growing needs of the community. Supporting these organizations, both financially and through in-kind donations, is crucial during times of crisis. Many food banks also offer additional services, such as cooking classes and nutrition education, to help families make the most of their food resources.
Long-Term Food Security Strategies
While the food drive provides immediate relief, the Delaware County Council is also exploring long-term strategies to address food insecurity.These include:
* **Expanding access to affordable healthy food options