During the COVID-19 pandemic, households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) received an additional payment at the end of each month to provide extra help in purchasing food. In September 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services recorded 1.88 million Pennsylvanians are on SNAP, with children representing over 30% of the total.
Due to recent nationwide benefit changes, SNAP households will no longer receive the additional payment. With this change, households are set to lose a minimum of $95 a month in benefits with a statewide average impact of $181 per household. During this time of increased food costs, even a minor cut in benefits will be difficult for Montgomery County residents who rely on these funds to feed themselves and their families.
Food pantries play a critical role in helping those facing food insecurity and lack of access to nutritious food. Montgomery County recently presented a $500,000 check to the Montco Anti-Hunger Network at Martha’s Choice Marketplace and Community Farm, a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with the goal of supporting numerous local food pantries.
Pictured here are Montgomery County Officials and Catholic Human Services staff at the check presentation
Martha’s Choice Marketplace is the largest and most visited food pantry in Montgomery County. With the core value of building community through access to healthy food, Martha’s Choice has provided 2 million pounds of food, personal care, and household items to residents in the last 12 months. In March 2023, the Norristown food pantry set new records for distribution including 266,000 pounds of food, personal care, and household items given out to 1,500 unique households with residents located in 37 different zip codes across Montgomery County. In addition, Martha’s Choice completes home deliveries to approximately 160 disabled senior citizens each month. Currently, the need is greater than during the height of the pandemic.
While Martha’s Choice Marketplace distributes food to residents, 10 miles down the road at Martha’s Community Farm, fresh produce is grown for the pantry. Located on the grounds of the former Saint Gabriel’s Hall in Audubon, the 10-acre farm produced 25 different crops and 7,000 pounds of food last year. Martha’s Community Farm partners with countless organizations and community members such as Penn State Extension, Cabrini University, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Montco Anti-Hunger Network, ACLAMO, HopeWorx, and Villanova University to provide a variety of healthy foods to its clients and the community.
With an increased need of access to healthy food, the staff and volunteers at Martha’s Choice are committed to being as responsive as possible to meet individual household needs. Those interested in supporting the good works of Martha’s Choice Marketplace and Community Farm can do so by clicking here. The need could not be met without the 165 volunteer team who are responsible for a handful of tasks that help to reduce hunger in the community. To sign up and join the team, please visit the Martha’s Choice Marketplace and Community Farm website and fill out a volunteer form.
