The intersection of federal SNAP cuts, the recent government shutdown, and a surge in food insecurity are currently placing unprecedented strain on families and frontline food access organizations. In our commitment to meeting the moment and the impact of these actions, last week, The Barra Foundation distributed a total of $500,000 across key sector partners to bolster emergency food support efforts and to increase access to quality food. Funding includes:
- $25,000 each to the Regional Food Fund (led by Philadelphia Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey) and the Delaware County Rapid Response Fund (led by The Foundation For Delaware County and The Community’s Foundation) that were both created to respond to federal USDA funding cuts
- $350,000 to seven key community-based providers in the food access system: Sunday Love Project, Temple Episcopal Pantry, Puentes de Salud, Bethany Baptist Church, Chosen 300 Ministries, The Community Grocer, and Food Connect
- $100,000 to The Merchants Fund for support to small businesses affected by the loss of SNAP revenue
We recognize that the needs of our community are much larger than these one-time payments; however, our desire is to act swiftly to provide even a small amount of unrestricted support to organizations that are playing a critical role in the food access ecosystem. We will continue to listen, learn, and take action. The staff and Board at Barra have deep gratitude to all who are working day in and day out in partnership with communities to further strengthen our region.