Colleagues,
 
At a time when federal changes are making it harder for struggling families to qualify for food assistance, we must act decisively to protect Pennsylvanians from hunger.
 
More than 2 million Pennsylvanians are at imminent risk of losing SNAP food assistance as the federal budget stalemate continues. This is on top of the nearly 150,000 Pennsylvanians who have already lost access due to new federal eligibility restrictions. Our local food banks and meal programs are already stretched to the breaking point — and need additional support to keep up with the growing demand.
 
That’s why we are introducing the PA Food Bank and Hunger Relief Program, a companion bill to Senator Haywood and Costa’s legislation in the Senate.
 
This proposal will:
• Allocate $50 million from Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund to support local food banks, ensuring they can meet emergency demand in every county of our Commonwealth.
• Provide $10 million for Meals on Wheels to deliver nutritious meals directly to older adults and individuals with disabilities who are unable to access traditional food assistance.
• Add targeted funding to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to cover administrative and coordination costs necessary to effectively implement and monitor this program statewide.
 
This is a common-sense, compassionate, and fiscally responsible response to an urgent crisis.
 
The PA Food Bank and Hunger Relief Program will ensure that no Pennsylvanian — child, parent, or older adult — goes hungry because of federal inaction.
 
Please join us as a co-sponsor to help ensure every Pennsylvanian can live with dignity and security in our Commonwealth. 
 
This is a companion bill to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator Haywood and Senator Costa.