Food banks prepare for increased demand with SNAP benefits on pause
SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to the state.
Updated: 12:52 PM EDT Oct 20, 2025
Now that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are not being sent out, food banks are gearing up to help those in need.”People are going to go hungry, and we don’t have the capacity to feed everyone,” said Ruth Kittner, executive director of the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry.Money for SNAP on a state and federal level is running out because of the government shutdown, which is impacting two million Pennsylvanians.When the funds run out, many will be relying on food banks now more than ever.”By not sending out the SNAP benefits to people who have already earned them and are counting on them means that our line outside gets longer and there’s less shopping at the grocery store,” Kittner said.The ministry serves roughly 80 to 100 families daily. Kittner says many of those who come in have low-wage jobs and work two jobs to help put food on the table. She estimates that number will go up about 20%. Now, they have to prepare for more neighbors who may need assistance.”We’re going to try to get more food. We’re going to tell our donors, the people, the companies that donate food to us that the need is great,” Kittner said.The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank issued a statement on the situation, saying, in part, “We are closely monitoring these sudden changes to SNAP, gathering information and creating plans to respond to a surge in demand for food resources.”SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to the state.
WILKINSBURG, Pa. —
Now that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are not being sent out, food banks are gearing up to help those in need.
“People are going to go hungry, and we don’t have the capacity to feed everyone,” said Ruth Kittner, executive director of the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry.
Money for SNAP on a state and federal level is running out because of the government shutdown, which is impacting two million Pennsylvanians.
When the funds run out, many will be relying on food banks now more than ever.
“By not sending out the SNAP benefits to people who have already earned them and are counting on them means that our line outside gets longer and there’s less shopping at the grocery store,” Kittner said.
The ministry serves roughly 80 to 100 families daily. Kittner says many of those who come in have low-wage jobs and work two jobs to help put food on the table. She estimates that number will go up about 20%. Now, they have to prepare for more neighbors who may need assistance.
“We’re going to try to get more food. We’re going to tell our donors, the people, the companies that donate food to us that the need is great,” Kittner said.
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank issued a statement on the situation, saying, in part, “We are closely monitoring these sudden changes to SNAP, gathering information and creating plans to respond to a surge in demand for food resources.”
SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to the state.