Philadelphia is stepping up in a big way after the federal freeze on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that began at the start of November. With nearly 500,000 residents affected, the Parker Administration has rolled out a $14 million emergency plan called the “One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan.” The initiative brings together city agencies, state support, and provides donors to help families, small businesses, and federal workers weather the disruption.
What is the One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan?
The plan is a citywide emergency response aimed at helping Philadelphians who suddenly lost access to SNAP benefits. The City is contributing $7 million, matched by $6 million from philanthropic partners and $1 million from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to form a $14 million relief effort.
Specifically, the funding will spread across key areas:
- $4 million for food distribution partners and non profits to deliver immediate food aid.
- $1.5 million for emergency rental assistance, specifically helping furloughed federal workers at risk of eviction
- $1 million in reallocated funds to provide emergency food support to vulnerable families.
- $500,000 in small business grants to help neighborhood corner store, grocers, and food retailers stay open and stocked
The City is also expanding the One Philly Produce Project, distributing over 300,000 pounds of fresh produce at 43 local schools this year, thanks to a donation from Aramark and partnerships with Sharing Excess and Food Connect.
How can residents get help?
Residents can visit the City’s Food and Meal Finder to locate free groceries, meals, and food assistance near them. Families already working with Community Umbrella Agencies, Family Empowerment Programs, or the Achieving Reunification Center are encouraged to reach out to their case managers for emergency food options.
Moreover, residents wishing to donate can also locate food banks through the online food and meal finder to coordinate drop offs.
Additionally, furloughed workers living in Philadelphia can apply for temporary payment deferrals through the Department of Revenue. The deferral covers water bills, property taxes, and owner-occupied payment agreements- with no late feels while the shutdown continues.
Why does this matter right now?
The SNAP freeze has immediate, real-world consequences for hundreds of thousands of Philadelphians. Residents rely on these benefits to buy groceries and feed their families.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker emphasized that “facing food insecurity should never be one of the challenges our families have to navigate.” The plan, she said, ensures “no neighbor is left behind” as the City works to fill the gap.
What happens next amidst the SNAP freeze?
Important to note, while the plan provides vital short-term relief, city leaders acknowledge that it can’t fully replace federal SNAP benefits. Ongoing state and federal funding delays–now exceeding $600 million—continue to strain local resources. Still, the Parker administration says it’s prepared to do “whatever it takes” to keep Philadelphians fed and supported through the uncertainty.
As Mayor Parker put it:
One Philadelphia means a united city for every citizen, every day.