As the federal shutdown threatens to pause food stamps for millions of Americans, the Center for Hope’s Ambridge food pantry has fielded an influx of visitors from across Beaver County.
“It’s almost like a storm is coming,” said Sue Otto, the center’s director.
The center, a faith-based nonprofit serving around 1,100 residents in and around Ambridge, was included in lists on social media alongside other services and resources in the county, as community members try to prepare for a possible wave of scarcity.
The center is leveraging resources and support from community partners and other groups to address the surge in need that could extend beyond November as new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility rules also take effect. Meanwhile, a group of neighbors have mobilized to fill gaps.
“We don’t want anyone to panic, but they are panicking,” said Otto.
‘It’s hurting everybody’
The federal government entered into a partial shutdown on Oct. 1 because Senate Democrats and Republican President Donald Trump failed to agree on spending. Pennsylvania, meanwhile, has been in a budget stalemate between Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Senate Republicans. The twin budget impasses prompted the state Department of Human Services to announce on Oct. 17 that SNAP would stop “until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released” to the state.
SNAP serves an estimated 41 million people nationally, including 2 million in Pennsylvania, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The Census Bureau estimates that 1 in 4 Ambridge households uses the program.
Ambridge by the numbers
- Population: 6,912
- Under age 18: 19%
- Age 65 or over: 17%
- Under poverty line: 16%
- Households using SNAP: 25%
- Housing units vacant: 17%
Note: Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2023.
The Center for Hope partly relies on donations, in addition to partnerships with local churches and other organizations. They’re also a network partner of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, through which they receive federally-funded food items and grant money. The pantry is open weekly and provides non-perishable items, as well as fresh produce. They also offer emergency food bags that are prepared for people to pick up.
To be eligible for the food pantry and registered in the center’s system, individuals and families have to qualify based on federal household income guidelines under The Emergency Food Assistance Program. However, Otto said even if someone doesn’t qualify – which is rare – they provide them with food items.
On Thursday, Otto started pulling from the pantry’s back stock to put together dozens of “quick bags” containing cans of soup, pasta and fresh produce to give to new people who showed up.
“If it wasn’t for these centers, we’d be in trouble,” said Scott, an Ambridge resident who picked up an emergency food bag Thursday, and asked to withhold his last name.
He receives SNAP benefits and has come to the center for the last several years, preferring only to use the pantry for emergencies, he said, because he knows there are people who are more in need than he is.
“Our government is just a total wreck right now and it’s hurting everybody,” he said.
Dottie Trautman and her family have been coming to the center for five years. Her four grandchildren, for whom she’s the primary caregiver, have been involved with the center’s youth program, and they rely on the food pantry to fill gaps in SNAP benefits. She said even with food stamps, it isn’t always enough — especially as she tries to feed two teenage boys.
“I don’t know how I’m going to do it. I don’t know how,” said Trautman. “I feel bad because I think the food banks are probably going to get overrun. They’re going to start hopping from food bank to food bank. And this community alone has so much need.”
As surrounding areas grapple with the surge in need, Trautman is hesitant to go to pantries outside of her neighborhood because she doesn’t want to take away from other communities, she said.
“I guess there’d be a lot of potato soup and things that we can stretch in the meantime,” said Trautman.
There are also concerns among Ambridge’s growing Latin American immigrant community, who Otto said now make up about a third of the population that the center serves.
“I think whenever you come to America, you see it as a place that is strong. But a lot of people feel they’re uncertain of the future,” said Esmeralda Martinez, a translator for Spanish-speakers who started working at the center last year.
She said many members of this community are really worried about losing benefits, especially those with children.
“We just try to always let them know as long as we’re here, they’re going to be OK until this issue gets resolved,” said Martinez.
‘A huge network’ mobilizing
In addition to local organizations, more than a dozen Ambridge neighbors have mobilized to get food and other necessities out to the community. Jimmy Fabrizio, who helped organize the effort, said he responded quickly because he knew how dire the situation was for those relying on SNAP.
“As a former food stamp recipient myself, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s gonna really damage people’s lives,’” said Fabrizio, who has lived in Ambridge for 16 years and works as a technology consultant.
While there are organizations like the Center for Hope in the area, he said he’s heard that some people don’t feel comfortable going to a food pantry for various reasons, whether it’s due to personal beliefs, religious reasons or past experiences. Some people have mobility issues and can’t readily leave their homes, Fabrizio said.
“As a former food stamp recipient myself, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s gonna really damage people’s lives.’”
On Tuesday, Fabrizio started coordinating with a network of neighbors and several local businesses to set up food and hygiene item distributions, along with direct deliveries. They’re spreading the word by putting flyers up around town and posting on social media, and while they’ve received several requests already, they’ve gotten even more offers to help.
He said the response from people in the area willing to help has been surprising, and gives him hope.
“There’s a huge network and a growing network of people that are kind of responding to this and donating, offering to deliver food, offering to make meals, offering to set up tables and hand out things,” said Fabrizio.
Tightening eligibility adds to scarcity
As November approaches, Rev. Derek Davenport, chair of the center’s board, said the month ahead will be critical for the food pantry, but the need won’t end there.
“People are hungry all the time. It’s not just because of the government shutdown,” said Davenport. When the government gets right, he said, there “will still be people who need food and the center is still going to be here.”
As new SNAP eligibility requirements also take effect Nov. 1, Otto said some clients are unsure about what the changes mean for them, especially seniors.
“It’s complicated. You hear bits and pieces on the news, but everybody’s going, how’s it affect me?”
Regardless of SNAP eligibility, Otto said the center will continue to find ways – like “quick bags” – to provide food to anyone who needs it. In the meantime, Otto said they’ve continued to receive offers to help from the community, from local cheerleaders to retirement communities.
“A lot of people are pulling it together to make it all work, we don’t want anybody hungry.”
Alayna Hutchinson is a freelance reporter in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Prior to pursuing journalism, she worked in education and public relations in Washington, D.C. Alayna can be reached at alaynahutch15@gmail.com.
The Associated Press contributed.
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