LOWER MERION-NARBERTH, PA \u2014 The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is about to be suspended amid the federal government shutdown.<\/p>\n
Roughly one in eight Americans use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase groceries.<\/p>\n
With the program’s suspension looming on Saturday, many Lower Merion- and Narberth-area residents may be wondering how they can help their hungry neighbors.<\/p>\n
The Ardmore Food Pantry<\/a> at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ardmore accepts food donations 24 hours a day, seven days a week drop-off bin located along the church driveway at 36 Ardmore Ave.<\/p>\n Items needed include:<\/p>\n cerealpasta saucepastahearty souppeanut buttertunaground coffee <\/p>\n Monetary donations can be made by mailing checks to Ardmore Food Pantry, 36 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore, PA 19003 or online here<\/a>. Checks can also be dropped off at the church office from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.<\/p>\n Additionally, the pantry accepts gift cards for Acme, Giant, and Trader Joe’s. Drop off hours are the same as above.<\/p>\n Residents can also donate excess produce from their gardens. Fresh vegetables can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mondays in the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church parish hall.<\/p>\n Food is distributed on Mondays between 10:45 a.m. and noon and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the parish hall. A simple hot dinner is also served from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Contact the food pantry with questions at foodpantry@stmarysardmore.org, or call 610-649-1486 and press 4.<\/p>\n The Mitzvah Food Program<\/a> operates in Bala Cynwyd and offers food distribution from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays at the Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center, 345 Montgomery Ave. in Bala Cynwyd.<\/p>\n Those who wish to donate to this program must call 215-832-0815 before donating.<\/p>\n Support can also be shown by purchasing items on the program’s Amazon wish list.<\/a> When making a wish list purchase, select MFP Gift Registry Address as the shipping destination.<\/p>\n Monetary donations can also be made online here.<\/a><\/p>\n For more information, call 215-832-0815 or 215-832-0627.<\/p>\n The Narberth Community Food Bank<\/a> accepts donations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 201 Sabine Ave. in Narberth.<\/p>\n Items sought are:<\/p>\n Canned TunaCanned chickenCoffeeTeaCold Cereal Old fashion oatsPancake mixPancake syrup Granola barsSugarFlourTomato SauceGluten free canned chiliGluten free pasta and sauceGluten free crackersCanned chiliVegetarian meal pouches- chickpea, Tikka Masala, Shelf stable milk -all typesNut butters -all typesJelly \u2013 Grape or strawberry Dole Fruit CupsBeans- all types Cat foodKitty LitterDog food <\/p>\n Items not accepted are:<\/p>\n FurnitureDishwareBeddingRamen noodles or instant soup packsMatzohGoGo Squeez apple snacksApple SauceAlcoholic beveragesProducts which have been openedItems with expired datesMedication <\/p>\n Other items sought at the food pantry are:<\/p>\n Scotch tapeGarbage Bags (all sizes)Simple Green cleaning sprayPrinter PaperInk for HP 9020 Inkjet Printer (Color and Black)Push PinsStablesDry Erase MarkersChalkRubber BandsPost-it Notes <\/p>\n Monetary donations can be made online here.<\/a><\/p>\n Please do not leave donations at the food bank other than these times unless specific arrangements are made by contacting our staff. Thank you.<\/p>\n Food and essential items are available for pickup from 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursdays.<\/p>\n Contact Narberth Community Food Bank at 484-754 6404 or narberthcommunityfoodbank@gmail.com.<\/p>\n