York County organizations launch fund to aid residents hit by SNAP loss during shutdown

Two York County organizations have teamed up to help individuals, seniors and families affected by the loss of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the federal government shutdown.

The York County Community Foundation has created a charitable “Nourish Now: Food Relief Fund” to provide “flexible, rapid support to York County residents directly impacted by the loss of SNAP benefits,” a news release states. It is being funded with $65,000 in grants from the foundation and the Memorial Health Fund.

The “Nourish Now: Food Relief Fund” will support an Emergency Food Relief Program started by the United Way of York County, the release states. Qualifying families will receive a $100 electronic voucher that they can use at participating local grocery stores.

“These one-time credits are intended to bridge the gap while federal food assistance is unavailable,” the release states.

About 200 of the electronic vouchers had already been issued as of Monday morning, said foundation officials, and another 750 applications had been received.

The SNAP benefits were set to dry up on Nov. 1 because of the federal government shutdown. Two federal judges ruled last week that President Donald Trump’s administration must use emergency funds to keep the SNAP benefits flowing. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an emergency declaration that will direct $5 million to the state’s 13 food banks.

The York County Food Bank has been gearing up to serve more residents because of the lapse in SNAP benefits, but its shelves are already unusually bare. Food banks and pantries are seeking donations.

More than 59,500 families in York County qualify for SNAP benefits, the release states. It represents a loss of approximately $10.5 million in monthly benefits locally. The average household receives $176 a month.

“Food insecurity can’t wait, and we cannot ignore this issue for many of our neighbors,” Natalee Gunderson, President & CEO of York County Community Foundation, said in the release. “This collaborative effort allows us to move resources quickly to York Countians who suddenly find themselves without the support they need. Every dollar donated helps a York County neighbor put food on the table. United Way is the ideal partner to mobilize these resources quickly and across the County.”

The goal of the Emergency Food Relief Program is to help 600 families initially and then scale up as donations come in and the requests for assistance rise, the release states.

“United Way of York County and York County Community Foundation are no strangers to identifying and filling gaps in our community, especially in times of crisis,” Brian Grimm, president of the United Way of York County, said in the release. “Together, we aim to provide temporary relief for hardworking families while they navigate this moment of uncertainty.”

How SNAP recipients in York County can seek help

York County residents who receive SNAP benefits can apply for the Emergency Food Relief Program through an online form at www.unitedway-york.org/emergency-food-relief, the release states.

How to help York County neighbors who need food

The public can make a donation online at yccf.org/nourishnow, the release states.

Checks can be made payable to the York County Community Foundation with “Nourish Now: Food Relief Fund” in the memo line, the release states. Donations can be mailed to 14 W. Market St., York, PA 17401.