Montco Donates $500K To Local Food Banks Amid Benefits Cuts

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County announced this week that they are donating half a million dollars to local food pantries, citing a cut in federal benefits that will impact at-risk families.

Households currently part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are due to lose at least $95 a month, with an average loss in Pennsylvania of $181 a month. The cuts are due to a reduction in pandemic funding.

"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," the county said in a statement. "The County has seen an increased demand for its food pantries who play a critical role in helping residents who do not have enough to eat."

The Montco Anti-Hunger Network (MAHN) will cooridnate the distribution of the funds. County leaders are calling on local charities, businesses, and residents to support pantries as well.

A ceremonial check presentation took place on Wednesday at Martha’s Choice Marketplace in Norristown, the largest food pantry in the county. Martha's alone delivered nearly 2 million pounds of food to 3,200 different families and 11,000 individual in 2022.