High School Food Pantry Becomes Essential Amid SNAP Benefit Disruptions
In Pittsburgh, Brashear High School’s food pantry has become a vital resource for students and families affected by the recent government shutdown. With shelves stocked with fresh produce, dairy, frozen meats, and hygiene products, the pantry offers much-needed relief.
The pantry’s importance is underscored by students like Ryan, whose family depends on SNAP benefits. These benefits were recently interrupted due to the shutdown, causing uncertainty for many families. “My mom said try and get some food to help out the family, so that’s what I’m doing today,” Ryan shared. To protect their privacy, NPR is not using the full names of the students involved.
Friday marked Ryan’s second visit to the pantry. He discovered the resource after his mother received a notification from the school. His favorite items include ingredients from the fruit and vegetable section, and he left with a bag full of food for his family. “I’m glad that they’re doing this,” Ryan said. “It’s a very big help for families.”
The uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits continues for the nearly 42 million Americans who rely on them, with almost 40% under 18. Pennsylvania recently resumed full SNAP benefits after a court order, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture called these payments “unauthorized” and demanded states reclaim them. Pennsylvania is among states challenging this in court.
Given the uncertainty, Ryan’s mother, Roberta, is hesitant to use the funds, describing the school pantry as a “godsend.”
“If you’re not fed, you’re not learning”
The pantry at Brashear High School is part of Feeding America, a national network of over 200 food banks and nearly 4,900 school-based pantries. Open weekly, it allows students a brief window to gather essentials. Any leftovers are given to teachers for distribution during the school day.
Brashear health teacher Christine Wolski, who helped establish the pantry, emphasized the connection between nutrition and learning: “If you’re not fed, you’re not learning.”
The pantry saw increased interest and donations as the SNAP benefit issues emerged. Initially, 146 students were registered at the start of the shutdown. By November 11, that number grew to 224 students, serving 1,233 household members.
Students like N., a 12th grader, rely on the pantry for weekend supplies. He chooses items based on his family’s preferences and needs. “I see what my mom liked last time and what was not wasted,” he said.
N. is still waiting for his family’s SNAP payment, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by many families as they await either the reopening of the government or the distribution of the remaining SNAP funds.
