by Samuel Long, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
With the fallout of the November SNAP funding halt and further eligibility requirements to come in 2026, food drives carry a heightened importance for low-income individuals and families.
Starting in September, SHIM began to see a “noticeable climb” in the number of people it served with its three food pantries, according to director of development and communications Seth Dubin. By the end of November, after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits had been reinstated, pantry attendance had increased to more than 4,900 people served — up from an average of 4,000 people per month between 2024 and early 2025.
In addition, 196 new households accessed SHIM’s food pantries in November, a 176% increase in new families compared to the same time period last year. This trend has continued into this month, Mr. Dubin said. Just halfway through December, SHIM has already exceeded December 2024’s total pantry usage.
