On Saturday Nov. 1, many faced the reality that SNAP benefits for November would not be available to recipients.
Throughout Erie multiple companies and restaurants made their way to Facebook to share any help and discounts they would be providing from Saturday until further notice.
The Food Hall of Erie has three local restaurants who have made the decision to help their community with discounts on meals. CheesErie is selling macaroni’s at half off, Ippa Pizza is selling base pizzas at $8, and Dina’s is selling Bandera specials at 50% off.
Gary’s Superette is giving out free subs and sandwiches to those in need with no questions asked, daily.
GoPuffs, a food delivery company is providing $50 off groceries with free delivery on SNAP eligible items.
Different organizations throughout Erie are providing food assistance or will have food drives. Including Bethany Outreach Center, Community of Caring Food Pantry, Glenwood United Methodist, Emmaus Soup Kitchen, First Presbyterian Church, Home House of Erie, Salvation Army Food Pantry, St. Martin Center, and Cathedral of St. Paul Food Pantry.
During the entire week multiple organizations are providing free meals. Erie City Mission will have breakfast and lunch every day except Sunday. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ also has breakfast and lunch every day except Sunday. Community of Caring will have lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. every day except Sunday. Emmaus Soup Kitchen has dinner from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. First Presbyterian of the Covenant will have dinner on Sunday from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Werner Books is collecting non-perishables each day; all donations will be distributed to different Little Free Pantries throughout Erie.
YMCA of Greater Erie has provided a list of different Food Pantries and Food Drives that will be going on.