Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will run out of money on Dec. 1, leaving SNAP benefits in flux for the foreseeable future. More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to pay for their groceries, and many families are now struggling to figure out how to feed themselves without the program.
Many families have turned to food banks to get them through the government shutdown. Whether you rely on SNAP or want to financially help people who do, these local food banks are worth looking into.
412 Food Rescue
6425 Living Pl.#200, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Locations throughout Greater Pittsburgh
Community Human Services Food Pantry
370 Lawn St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
chscorp.org/community-programs
East End Cooperative Ministry
6140 Station St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
1 N. Linden St., Duquesne, PA 15110
JCFS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
828 Hazelwood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217
jfcspgh.org/services/squirrel-hill-food-pantry/
Light of Life Rescue Mission Food Bank
720 E. Lacock St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Milestone Chain of Hope Drop-In Center
611 South Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15221
North Hills Food Bank
845 Perry Hwy Route 19, Pittsburgh PA 15229
Northside Common Ministries Food Pantry
1601 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
ncmin.org/community-food-pantry/
Rainbow Kitchen Community Services
135 East 9th Ave., Homestead, PA 15120
St. Winifred Food Pantry
2840 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Hunger Services
332 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ulpgh.org/programs/housing/hunger-services/
Wilkinsburg Community Ministry
702-704 Wood St., Pittsburgh, PA 15221
What do food banks need?
If you’re looking to contribute to your local food bank, consider donating these in-demand items.
- Money—this may seem obvious, but many food banks receive discounts from local stores. Monetary donations also ensure that they can buy specific food items they need.
- Canned proteins (beans, chicken, tuna, etc.)
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Herbs and spices
- Rice
- Peanut butter
- Shelf-stable milk
- Baby food and formula
- Applesauce
- Tea and coffee
- Basic cooking ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, etc.)
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, etc.)
- Pet food (pets need to eat, too!)
