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.
Pennsylvania
Feast of Justice
3101 Tyson Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149
6434 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149
Friends Community Pantry & Fridge
320 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
historicasmh.org/friendspantry
Mitzvah Food Program
Locations throughout Greater Philadelphia
jewishphilly.org/resources/mitzvah-food-program/
Philabundance
3616 South Galloway St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
Food bank locations throughout Greater Philadelphia
Share Food Program
2901 W. Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19129
Food bank locations throughout Greater Philadelphia
Vivian’s Cupboard Food Bank at Mazzoni Center
1348 Bainbridge St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
mazzonicenter.org/supportive-services/food-bank-vivians-cupboard
For more Philadelphia resources, visit phila.gov/food/
Delaware
Claymont Community Market and Garden
3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703
claymontcenter.org/food-closet/
Delaware Regional Dream Center
310 Ruthar Dr. #9-11, Newark, DE 19711
Food Bank of Delaware
222 Lake Dr., Newark, DE 19702
102 DE Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963
Joseph’s Pantry
300 West Lea Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19802
bethemethde.org/josephs-pantry/
Lutheran Community Services Food Pantry
1301 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19806
2101 Lancaster Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805
2809 Baynard Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19802
lcsde.org/service/food-pantry-services
Milton Community Food Pantry
12898 Union St. Ext., Milton, DE 19968
For more Delaware resources, visit delaware211.org/resource/food/food-pantries
New Jersey
Camden Rescue Mission
1634 Broadway, Camden, NJ 08104
Cathedral Kitchen
1514 Federal St., Camden, NJ 08105
The Food Bank of South Jersey
1501 John Tipton Blvd., Pennsauken, NJ 08110
God’s Interfaith Food Pantry
442 South Route 73, Berlin, NJ 08009
Hope Community Outreach Services
1299 Morton St., Camden, NJ 08104
For more South Jersey resources, visit foodbanksj.org/zip-code-locator/
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!)
