Food Resources
More than 1 in 3 student respondents dealt with low food security, defined as difficulty getting adequate food within the previous 30 days.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. REACH OUT FOR FOOD SUPPORT TODAY.
Connect with PAFA's Student Care Coordinator to discuss your needs: healthandwellness@pafa.edu
You could be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits!
What is SNAP exactly?
According to the USDA website: "SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency."
You can think of SNAP providing you with monthly cash benefit toward purchasing food, but this typically does NOT cover all of your monthly food needs, hence "supplemental."
Am I eligible for SNAP benefits as a college student? You could be!
Tip: Students must (#1)- meet SNAP eligibility criteria for income limits (here is PA state)
Tip: Students must (#2)- meet SNAP exemption criteria as an enrolled college student*
*this temporary exemption came about due to The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and is set to expire at the end of the public health emergency. If you meet BOTH the eligibility (#1) criteria and ONE of the (#2) exemption criteria, APPLY NOW (online through Compass) or in person- download the pdf app here and fill out ahead of time.
Philadelphia local benefits office (closest to PAFA)- here's a list for other offices:
801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
office hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
phone: 215-560-7226
PAFA's on-campus food pantry!
Reach out to PAFA's Student Care Coordinator for questions or support: healthandwellness@pafa.edu
HOW TO ACCESS PAFA's FOOD PANTRY
Located in PAFA's Hamilton Building, 6th floor, Room 652
PAFA's on-campus food pantry is a walk-in space-OPEN WHENEVER THE BUILDING IS OPEN! No appointment needed to access.
Walk in, use the pull down lights, shop, turn off the lights & close the door- use as much as you like!
DONATE ESSENTIALS FOR PAFA STUDENTS
Wish to donate through PAFA Student Life's Amazon wish list?
Or donate NON-EXPIRED, shelf-stable food or toiletry items. Contact PAFA's Student Care Coordinator: healthandwellness@pafa.edu to plan a drop off of your items.
FOOD resources
NATION-WIDE- Pandemic Programs:
USDA Food: COVID 19 Waivers by State
See your state's SNAP benefits info for specifics
Motherly has lists of national resources where you can get free or low-cost meals/food supplies during the COVID-19 crisis
Head to https://www.auntbertha.com/ enter your zip code and find resources related to your food needs (like local food banks, free hot meals) and other basic needs.
PENNSYLVANIA or PHILADELPHIA-SPECIFIC:
Low-Cost Food Share Program: 215-223-2220
Hunger Coalition SNAP Hotline: 215-430-0556 -get support to apply to SNAP benefits!
Pennsylvania residents: Apply for SNAP (aka 'food stamps') here
Philadelphia County Assistance Office Headquarters: 801 Market Street, Philadelphia PA 19107
Office Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: 215-560-7226
APP RESOURCES:
Too Good to Go : get deeply discounted meals at restaurants or bargain bags at grocery stores!
FeedShare: locate free meals on PAFA's campus after events!
FoodFinder: locate food cupboards, soup kitchens, free fresh food! You should always consider calling location AHEAD of visiting to confirm hours.
Near OR NEAR-ISH PAFA's campus...
Food Pantry Finder ( zip code 19102 or nearby for pantries close to PAFA's campus)
Philabundance "Fresh for All" program Free produce. No ID required. Bring a bag or box with you to carry your produce home.
South Philly Community Fridge Locations are found at multiple locations in South Philly at this map here (to-go meals/fresh food + pantry items)!
Philly Food Finder Find local soup kitchens, food pantries, farmers markets & food share programs
Still not sure how to navigate food resources or where to start?
Contact PAFA's Student Care Coordinator: healthandwellness@pafa.edu