Western Pa. Food Banks See Increase in Demand Despite Return of SNAP Funding

Food is once again filling the warehouses of Western Pennsylvania food banks after a disruptive pause in state funding and SNAP benefits.

But a perplexing new reality has set in: the demand for assistance is still climbing.

The reason, local leaders say, is a lingering fear among residents who saw how quickly their support systems could vanish.

“A lot of people are still a little concerned that if it could go that quickly before, it could happen again,” explained Jennifer Miller, CEO of the Westmoreland Food Bank.

This anxiety has led to a seven percent increase in sign-ups for local pantries compared to this time last year, as families seek to establish a safety net for the future.

During the recent budget impasse, the community’s response was nothing short of heroic.

A crucial twenty-thousand-dollar grant from the Delmont Walmart helped spark a massive fundraising effort.

That initial support was amplified by local businesses and residents, who collectively raised over a million dollars to replenish depleted stocks.

This groundswell of private donations now accounts for 60 to 70 percent of the food bank's entire budget, a dramatic shift from just a decade ago.

While the financial support has been vital, Miller emphasized that the most immediate need now is for volunteers at local pantries.

Despite the challenges, the mission remains unwavering.

“We will always make sure that no one goes hungry in Westmoreland County,” Miller affirmed, crediting the community’s powerful resolve.