Rising demand at Pennsylvania food pantries
Organizations like Bebashi, which also provides health care and other social services, are working to fill the gaps with alternative food options in their communities, especially for people without current access to SNAP benefits.
Tate said calls from concerned and worried residents started coming in before the Nov. 1 freeze.
“There were people who were preparing, there were federal employees who are currently not working and there were people who just can’t afford the increase in how much food costs,” she said. “People who never ever used a food pantry before are now using a food pantry.”
Canned beans, gallons of milk, fresh veggies, produce and more are among the food staples readily available to people who come to the Food First Pantry.
Lula Bracey, 70, of North Philadelphia, placed some butter and eggs in her cart. She was at the pantry on Monday shopping with her sister, Linda Jackson, who is 76.
About one-third of Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP benefits are seniors.
“A lot. It’s very helpful,” Bracey said of local food assistance programs. “Due to what’s going on, just thank God, very grateful.”