In response to the disruption of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, a Pittsburgh school has launched a food pantry to assist students and their families. This initiative aims to ease the burden on families facing delayed or reduced aid.
Impact of SNAP Program Cuts
AILSA CHANG, HOST: The Trump administration is currently challenging a court’s decision to ensure full funding for the SNAP program. While some states have temporarily covered the shortfall, the administration insists that these funds be reimbursed. Various food banks, including those in schools, are stepping up to help. Jillian Forstadt from WESA explores a Pittsburgh school’s efforts.
Brashear High School’s Initiative
JILLIAN FORSTADT, BYLINE: At Brashear High School, students end their school week by visiting the pantry, which offers a variety of fresh produce, dairy products, frozen meat, and even hygiene items. Ryan, a student at the school, shares how his family has been affected by the SNAP benefit disruptions.
RYAN: The economy’s a little bit rough, so my mom said try and get some food – help out the family. So that’s what I’m doing today.
FORSTADT: This was Ryan’s second visit to the pantry. Due to privacy concerns, only first names or initials are used for the minors involved. Ryan gathers ingredients to prepare meals for his family, focusing on fresh produce over canned items.
RYAN: Canned stuff – it’s all right, but mainly, like, the ingredients from the fruits and vegetable section – make some nice dinners for them.
State and Federal SNAP Funding Conflicts
FORSTADT: Recently, Pennsylvania reinstated full SNAP benefits following a court order. Despite receiving their benefits, Ryan’s family remains cautious due to the Trump administration labeling these payments as “unauthorized.” Ryan’s mother, Roberta, expressed her concerns to NPR, highlighting the importance of the school’s food pantry.
Operational Dynamics of the Pantry
FORSTADT: Health teacher Christine Wolski plays a pivotal role in managing the pantry, which operates for an hour after school. Students have a few minutes to gather essentials before heading home.
WOLSKI: We got to keep going. We don’t have a lot of time.
WOLSKI: Let’s go. Let’s go. (Speaking Spanish).
FORSTADT: The pantry’s establishment last year was spearheaded by Wolski, who has noticed an uptick in student visits due to SNAP issues.
WOLSKI: We’re getting more and more students because of the SNAP benefits and stuff like that. So we are seeing a lot more students.
Student Experiences
FORSTADT: N, a 12th-grader whose second language is English, picks up weekend supplies for his large family.
N: I see what my mom liked last time and what was not wasted. My favorite thing? I would say this right here. How do you call it? Organ (ph). Maybe pinach (ph).
FORSTADT: Spinach, yeah.
N: Spinach.
FORSTADT: N’s family, dependent on SNAP, is still awaiting their monthly payment. He elaborates on the financial strain they face, particularly with winter approaching.
N: I don’t know if it’s coming in or anything, but yeah, so that. So now we have to spend more money into that, and we got to buy stuff for winter – you know? – ’cause it’s about to get cold and stuff so very stressful, very.
Educational Implications
FORSTADT: Wolski notes that the stress of food insecurity impacts student learning.
WOLSKI: If you’re not fed, you’re not learning. So that’s one of the reasons why we’re, like, hitting this so hard.
FORSTADT: Despite changes in government operations, the Brashear pantry will continue to support its students weekly, emphasizing the link between nutrition and education.
For NPR News, I’m Jillian Forstadt in Pittsburgh.
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