Resources and Support for Pennsylvanians Facing Food Insecurity

As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older Pennsylvanians—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.

You Are Not Alone

If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available. Whether you need groceries, home-delivered meals, or someone to talk to, these resources are here to support you. You deserve dignity, nourishment, and peace of mind.

Check Your EBT Balance

Unused SNAP benefits from previous months may still be available. Benefits usually stay on your card for up to 12 months. Visit your state’s EBT portal or call the number on the back of your card to check your balance.

Find Local Food Assistance and Services

Many food banks and pantries offer services tailored to older individuals, including home delivery and dietary-sensitive options:

In Pennsylvania:

• Search for food near you: Feeding Pennsylvania provides a listing of local food pantries and food banks near you simply by entering your zip code. Feeding Pennsylvania
• PA 211: Through the United Way of Pennsylvania, you can call 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or search online at PA211.org for food, housing, utility help, and more. 
• County Assistance Offices: Every county has a local County Assistance Office that can help you access assistance and services. To find and connect with your local office call the State Help Line: 1-800-692-7462 or visit Pennsylvania Government.

Food Assistance by Region (quick links)

• Greater Philadelphia 
  • Philabundance provides a “Find Food” map:  Philabundance
  • Share Food Program provides a pantry and 24/7 community fridges locator  sharefoodprogram.org  
    • Philadelphia County (search by neighborhood) 
    • Bucks County (search by city, borough or township) 
    • Chester County (interactive map) 
    • Delaware County (search by city, borough or township) 
    • Montgomery County (search by city, borough or township)  
  • City of Philadelphia provides a “Food & Meal Finder.” City of Philadelphia

• Pittsburgh & Southwestern PA
  • Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank “Find Food” tool. Call the helpline 412-460-3663 x655) or search online: findfood.pittsburghfoodbank.org
  • 412 Food Rescue provides food access resources and community fridge information: 412 Food Rescue
• Central PA (27 counties)
  • Central Pennsylvania Food Bank “Find Food.” Central Pennsylvania Food Bank 
• Northeast PA (Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming and Susquehanna Counties)

 

Apply or Check Benefits (online & in person)

• COMPASS (apply online for SNAP, TANF, WIC referrals, LIHEAP when open): Use Pennsylvania’s benefits portal or the myCOMPASS PA app. compass.dhs.pa.gov
• SNAP info & eligibility: State overview and application options. Pennsylvania Government
• County Assistance Offices: Addresses and phone numbers by county. Pennsylvania Government

Cash Help for Families

WIC (Women, Infants & Children)

Home Energy & Heating Help

Update: Because of the federal shutdown, Pennsylvania has delayed the start of the 2025–2026 LIHEAP season until Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (contingent on funding). Check the official LIHEAP page for updates. Pennsylvania Government

• LIHEAP (heating assistance): Program details and announcements. Pennsylvania Government
• Utility company programs: Many utilities offer Customer Assistance Programs (CAP), LIURP weatherization, and hardship funds—contact your utility or see the Pennsylvania PUC overview and printable guides. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

Community & Faith-Based Help (examples)

• Salvation Army (Eastern PA & statewide finder): Search for family services, food pantries, and help in your ZIP code. The Salvation Army USA
• Catholic Charities (regional): Basic needs assistance (food, shelter, utilities) across Southwestern PA; similar services available in other dioceses. CCPgh
• JFCS Philadelphia: Help with SNAP applications, food access, and emergency grocery support for current clients. JFCS of Greater Philadelphia

Low-Cost Groceries & Meals

• Weekly circulars & digital coupons: GIANT, Weis, ShopRite, and Price Rite regularly promote “meal deals” and discounted staples—check your local ad: 
• Discounted surplus meals (select areas): The Too Good To Go app launched in Pittsburgh in May 2025; participating restaurants and grocers offer low-cost “surprise bags.” Axios

Tips to Stretch Your Food Budget This Week

• Check your nearest food bank’s calendar for pop-up distributions and mobile markets. Pennsylvania Government
• Call 211 if you need help with multiple needs (food, rent/utility assistance, transportation to a pantry, etc.). PA 211
• Ask your utility about hardship funds or CAP while LIHEAP is delayed. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

Key Contacts (save these)

• PA 211: Dial 211 or text ZIP to 898-211. PA 211
• DHS HelpLine (benefits questions): 1-800-692-7462. Pennsylvania Government
• Connect with your local Area Agency on Aging Area Agencies on Aging | Department of Aging | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• WIC Hotline: 1-800-WIC-WINS. Pennsylvania Government

Notes:

This page focuses on Pennsylvania resources and is current as of Wednesday, October 30, 2025. LIHEAP timing is changing due to the federal shutdown—check the state’s LIHEAP page for the latest. Pennsylvania Government .

Nationwide resources:

• Feeding America Food Bank Locator - https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
• Hunger Free America - https://findfood.hungerfreeamerica.org
• Food Finder Interactive Map - https://foodfinder.us/
• WhyHunger Find Food Database - https://whyhunger.org/find-food
• Meals on Wheels America: Delivers nutritious meals directly to homes. Find a provider - https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
• Little Food Pantries - https://www.thelittlefreepantries.org/
• Harvesters Community Food Network - https://www.harvesters.org
• Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These agencies often coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and other support services. Find your local AAA - https://eldercare.acl.gov/home

National Hotlines for Immediate Help

• National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
• WhyHunger Hotline: Call 1-800-5-HUNGRY or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479
• Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to connect with local food programs.