Rep. Summer Lee, Local Food Banks Discuss SNAP Cuts and Lapse Impact on Western PA Families

“PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28, 2025 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) held a roundtable discussion and press conference with representatives from local food banks and organizations to hear directly from community partners impacted by the loss of SNAP benefits due to federal cuts and the ongoing government shutdown. The Congresswoman was joined by Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (GPCFB), Westmoreland Food Bank (WCFB), Jewish Family and Community Services, Rainbow Kitchen, Project Destiny, and Just Harvest. The conversation comes as SNAP benefits are set to be delayed at the end of the month for 42 million Americans nationwide, including 2 million in Pennsylvania, due to the shutdown and the Trump administration’s refusal to use its emergency contingency reserve funds or transfer authority to provide benefits…

‘It’s deeply disturbing that the USDA is now claiming that the contingency funds cannot be used — even though earlier plans indicated that they could. Every action possible must be taken to ensure that the 42 million people who rely on SNAP have access to that lifeline. We must stop playing politics with people’s lives,’ said Ann Sanders, Director of Public Benefits, Policy and Programs, Just Harvest.”

Publish Date: 10-28-2025

News Outlet: Congresswoman Summer Lee