Stuart I.R. Haniff, MHA
Executive Director
Hunger-Free Pennsylvania
Sadly, that is the stark daily reality for more than 40 million people across the country – and more than 2 million Pennsylvanians – who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to receive the food they need, not just to thrive, but far too often, to survive.
SNAP is a federal program administered by states that provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget, so that they can afford the nutritious food essential to their health and well-being.
To help raise awareness about what life is REALLY like for those who struggle daily to put food on the table, I am joining forces with a couple of our partners and stakeholders who will join me in the national Food Research & Action Center’s SNAP Challenge, which runs from March 18-20.
Although the SNAP benefit is vital to the individuals and families who participate, the average SNAP benefit is not enough for most people to have an adequate and healthy diet. Further, SNAP plays a critical role in the economic ecosystem, supporting farmers, producers, and retailers who grow and provide the food that is received through this program.
By attempting to live on the average SNAP benefit as part of this challenge, we are forced to make difficult tradeoffs on a limited budget, often experiencing the same stigma and shame that our already struggling neighbors endure every day. We also see firsthand how difficult it is to avoid hunger, afford nutritious foods, stay healthy, and be focused on work, school, and taking care of our family when our physical energy is threatened and mental energy often is drained.
I’m grateful for the participation of Miss Pennsylvania International 2024 Sydney Miller, whose platform Success Through Savings is invaluable in teaching people how to maximize their purchasing power through coupons.
Sydney offers some powerful tips about how to make each dollar stretch even further by shopping smarter and using coupons to maximize savings and ultimately obtain more food.
I was also honored to join Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20), the prime sponsor of several anti-hunger bills in the state House of Representatives and co-chair of the House Hunger Caucus, on a shopping trip to demonstrate how tough it is to live on a daily SNAP allowance.
It is impossible to realize just how much we take for granted walking into a grocery store and buying what we want, until we do not have the money or the budget to even buy what we need. It was truly an eye-opening and humbling experience.
I invite you to please visit our social media feed and watch our videos of Sydney and Rep. Kinkead participating in the challenge. We cannot thank them enough for their time and efforts.
Their participation is essential in raising awareness about just how important SNAP is, and what individuals and families can do to stretch every dollar.
If you or someone you know participated in the SNAP Challenge, please do not forget to tag your photos and posts with #SNAPChallenge25.
While this challenge only lasts for a few days in March, the challenges to defend and expand SNAP are a year-round effort. There is so much uncertainty surrounding this program right now because of changes at the federal level. It is alarming, especially for those who must rely on SNAP to survive, each and every day.
I hope you will stay engaged and join us in raising awareness of hunger in our communities and promoting the very real need SNAP benefits provide for individuals and families wrestling with poverty across Pennsylvania and our nation.
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