Pa., NJ organizations grappling to cover SNAP need surprised by donations

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Even with the Trump administration now deciding to fund some SNAP benefits on Monday, there's still lots of concern.

Mayor Cherelle Parker hosted an urgent meeting inside City Hall for 123 community organizations and nonprofits that want to find a solution to the loss of SNAP benefits. One surprise solution came to local food banks.

"Between 9 o'clock and 11 o'clock, we got over 1,100 pounds of donations from Instacart," said Kori Rife with the Food Bank of South Jersey.

The donations came from community members who ordered extra on Instacart and had it delivered. Instacart waived fees for those deliveries.

READ MORE | Everything to know about SNAP, how the food assistance program helps millions

Millions of people across the country lost SNAP benefits over the weekend due to the government shutdown.

Another form of help came from an emergency food giveaway by the city of Trenton held on Monday afternoon. Around the same time, there was word that some SNAP benefits would be coming back. The Trump administration announced it will comply with a federal judge's order to use billions of dollars in reserved funds to provide funding for SNAP, but it comes too late for those who have already missed food assistance for November.

"For Camden County, there's 77,000 individuals that have been affected. We're seeing the numbers climb," said Camden County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge.

Camden County commissioners are calling on people to donate to the Food Bank of South Jersey as Pennsylvania state and federal lawmakers gathered to call for a solution to the government shutdown.

"The bottom line is we need to get back to work," said U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

SEE ALSO | Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded in November

"The federal government has never missed SNAP payments until now," said U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA).

"This is not a political issue, this is a people issue," said Pa. State Rep. Jordan Harris (D -Philadelphia).

The Trump administration's decision will only partially fund SNAP, and it could take weeks, if not months, for the benefits to be restored. That's a scary thought for Bebashi Food First Pantry in Spring Garden.

"We had people at our doors (Sunday), when we were not open, asking for food," said Sebrina Tate, Bebashi's CEO.

Philabundance was also on the receiving end of surprise Instacart donations. It's food they'll put to immediate use to meet the immediate need.

One thing that was discussed at Mayor Parker's meeting inside City Hall: the One Philly SNAP Support Grant Program. Organizations can apply for a grant of $5,000 - $50,000. Applications are due Wednesday. To apply, click here: https://www.phila.gov/2025-11-03-apply-for-funding-to-support-philadelphia-residents-through-the-one-philly-snap-support-program/