As the federal government shutdown ties 2019’s longest in history, millions of Americans — and thousands of Pittsburgh residents — are left without SNAP benefits for November because the Trump administration refuses to administer them.
According to Heather Starr Fiedler, assistant vice president for community engagement and faculty coordinator of the Pioneer Pantry, 40% of Point Park students report experiencing food insecurity, a 10% increase since the pantry’s opening in 2017.
In response, the Pioneer Pantry, Point Park University’s volunteer-run food pantry, is preparing to help fill the gap left by the suspension of federal assistance.
“We increased the amount of food that we have in the pantry,” Fiedler said. “The demand is going up whether or not students are receiving SNAP.”
Fiedler recently restocked the pantry with 1,300 pounds of food from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. As one of the organization’s community pantries, Point Park can purchase food at a large discount.
In addition to increasing the amount of food, the Pioneer Pantry has added a fridge and freezer, allowing students to walk away with fresh produce, chicken breasts, eggs and milk.
“I personally believe that we need to take care of the whole student and not just the academic side,” Fiedler said. “If students are hungry, they’re not going to be able to be attentive and learn in class.
“So I think it’s important for us as a university to make sure that our students are fed.”
Keith Paylo, dean of students and vice president of student affairs, agrees.
“As a university, we believe no one should go hungry, and that’s why the pantry exists,” Paylo said.
The Pantry is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and additionally on Wednesday night from 6 to 8 p.m. They also hold events, like produce pop-ups, once in the beginning of each month.
If students are unable to visit the Pioneer Pantry during its open hours, several mutual aid programs throughout the Downtown area are dedicated to making sure everyone has access to food.
Community Care and Resistance in Pittsburgh, or CCRIP, is a direct outreach program through 1Hood Media and one of many options available for Downtown residents.
The organization operates as a distribution center, providing homemade hot meals, non-perishables and donated and purchased items from local grocery stores.
Muhammad Ali Nasir, program director at CCRIP who goes by Man-E, said Pittsburgh’s network of outreach organizations is ready to meet the increased need for food assistance.
“Pittsburgh is very program and organizational heavy,” Man-E said. “Almost seven days a week, there’s a place that somebody can go and get the support they need.”
He said CCRIP has recently begun collaborating more closely with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to help fill the gap left by halted SNAP benefits.
“People need access to food,” Man-E said. “It’s a basic necessity.”
As Pittsburgh programs step up to meet the city’s growing needs, the Pioneer Pantry is preparing for the annual ‘Day of Giving.’
The program, which started at Point Park four years ago, provides students with everything they need to make a Thanksgiving meal.
“It’s really wonderful to see how appreciative students are that they get a nice meal to share with their friends on campus,” Fiedler said.
