December 19, 2025 by Isaiah Warfield With the holiday season in full swing, food is often a highlight for family and social gatherings. However, with the recent disruptions in food access by delays in federal and state funding, many in our community face uncertainty and worry about access to food for themselves and their families. Access to healthy food can directly impact health outcomes for our neighbors and communities. Health authorities such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization link healthy eating to a lower risk of acquiring specific health conditions and the support of normal body functioning. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap, nearly 13% of people in Allegheny County experience food insecurity. Although meal gap percentages are on average higher in some areas of the Jefferson footprint, the nonprofit organizations who offer service in this area stepped forward to guide families through the uncertainty by offering food, coordination of resources, and reassurance during a time of elevated need during the months of October and November of this year. Recognizing the need for immediate assistance for local food access organizations, the Jefferson Regional Foundation’s (JRF) Board of Directors also offered support by fast-tracking the approval of 13 food distribution mini grants in November. As food insecurity is a prevalent factor impacting community health within the service area of the Foundation, this month’s blog highlights the challenges, resources available, and avenues for advocacy. Understanding Local Impact Nearly 16% of households (15,000 families) within the service area of AHN Jefferson Hospital are recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a rate above the 13% countywide average. In communities such as Clairton, Duquesne, Elizabeth Borough, Homestead, McKeesport, and West Elizabeth, more than 25% of households utilize SNAP. This rate underscores the heightened vulnerability of these neighborhoods when external factors prevent and/or delay access to nutritious foods. According to statistics offered by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the demographics of food insecurity affects 1 in 3 Black neighbors, 1 in 4 Hispanic neighbors, 1 in 5 children, and 1 in 8 neighbors overall. The food bank also reports that local communities have experienced a 10% increase in food insecurity for children. These stark data points highlight the growing pressures families face as food costs rise faster than household incomes. As a foundation that centers on health and well-being, highlighting the need for increased access to food is critical to managing determinants of health and promoting individual and community well-being. Call to Action Food insecurity can be a solvable health crisis if, as community partners, we act together. Investing in programs that expand access to healthy food, supporting policies that address root causes of hunger, and strengthening systems that place a priority on nutritional resources can move meaningful discussions into measurable action steps. Join the JRF team by making an impact within your sphere of influence. Available Local Resources If you or a neighbor needs assistance in locating food resources, PA 211 can assist by texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or by visiting pa211.org. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank helps individuals and families access food through multiple programs. To learn more, call 1-833-822-SNAP (7627), text SNAP to 412-435-4446, or submit a referral form online. Responses to general questions are available by contacting the call center at 412-460-3663 x655 or online at https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/find-food/get-help/. Volunteers interested in helping with the mission of food provision are always welcome. Patients of AHN Jefferson Hospital are eligible for personalized nutrition support via the AHN Jefferson Hospital Healthy Food Center. With a prescription from a medical provider, patients can access healthy perishable and non-perishable items based upon household needs and available kitchen equipment. The hospital staff also provides nutritional educational information. Learn more at https://www.ahn.org/services/medicine/center-for-inclusion-health/healthy-food-center or at 412-578-5922. Just Harvest is a community-centered organization that focuses on policy advocacy, organizing, and creating community-based solutions to end hunger. Policy information, action planning information and resources can be accessed via their newsletter at JustHarvest.org/stay-informed or at 412-431-8960. References Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. (2024). The State of the Food Bank. https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/about/hunger-in-our-region/ Feeding America. Hunger & Poverty in the United States | Map the Meal Gap https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2023/overall/pennsylvania/county/allegheny United States Census Bureau. American Community Survey 2023 5-Year Estimates. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs Urban Institute. Does SNAP Cover the Cost of a Meal in Your County? https://www.urban.org/data-tools/does-snap-cover-cost-meal-your-county United Way Southwestern PA 211. Data on food support requests, 2024–2025. https://embed.domo.com/embed/pages/08l7v
