PHILADELPHIA — Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced today that the City of Philadelphia has delivered more than $6.2 million in rapid assistance to support Philadelphia families affected by the recent federal shutdown and disruptions to SNAP. Through the One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan, the Parker Administration has acted swiftly to stabilize households, enhance community food resources, assist renters, and help small businesses maintain operations.

The aid provided includes emergency food assistance in partnership with community organizations and regional food banks and will soon add targeted renter relief for federal workers who went without pay, and support for small neighborhood grocers. These initiatives reflect the Administration’s core commitment to meeting the needs of Philadelphians during times of crisis and ensuring families can recover and thrive long after the immediate emergency has passed.

“When Philadelphians are under pressure, our job is to show up,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “This aid represents real help for families who have been impacted through no fault of their own. One Philly means we face these challenges together, in times of crisis and beyond.”

Direct Food Aid and Grant Awards: Over $3.9 Million Delivered

The Parker Administration has delivered more than $3.9 million in food assistance in under a month, which includes:

• $2 million in grants to 139 community and faith-based organizations that are distributing free, healthy, and culturally appropriate food to residents experiencing food insecurity.

• More than 2,275 applications were reviewed in just a few days, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and averaging about $14,000, supporting expanded grocery distribution, prepared meals, and emergency food programs throughout the city.

• The City also quickly allocated $2 million in direct grants in the initial days of the crisis to Philabundance and the Share Food Program, the region’s largest food banks.

These investments are part of a larger food-access response backed by over $7 million in City, State, and philanthropic commitments, supported by close intergovernmental coordination and strong public-private partnerships to ensure resources are swiftly and effectively provided to those in need.

Additionally, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and its prevention, child welfare, and juvenile justice service providers have purchased $218,872 in gift cards for families experiencing food insecurity. These cards are being distributed to support immediate needs, and DHS continues to follow up with families to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.

“Our priority is making sure vulnerable children, and their families have what they need during times of instability,” said Kimberly Ali, Commissioner, Department of Human Services. These cards are being distributed to support immediate needs, and DHS continues to check in with families to ensure assistance reaches households that need it most.”

“Food can be medicine,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Public Health. “Seeing thousands of applications in just two days emphasizes both the urgency and the deep commitment of our community partners. This is our community taking care of one another.”

$1.5 Million One Philly Federal Furloughed Renter Relief Program Launching Monday, December 1

On Monday, December 1, the City will open applications for the $1.5 million One Philly Federal Furloughed Renter Relief Program, which offers a one-time $1,000 grant to eligible Philadelphia renters who went without pay during the federal shutdown. This program aims to help households recover from missed paychecks and unexpected financial strain.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be current Philadelphia renters.

• Directly employed by a federal agency.

• Earn 100 percent Area Median Income (AMI) or below.

• Provide documentation verifying their furlough or unpaid status, residency, and banking information.

Residents will be able to apply starting Monday, December 1. More information will be shared by the City early next week.

“This renter support program reflects our commitment to standing by families when they need it most,” said Tiffany Thurman, Chief of Staff, City of Philadelphia. “We know many households faced significant hardships as a result of the shutdown. This assistance is meant to provide stability and help families move forward with dignity.”

$600,000 Emergency Grant Support for Corner Stores and Small Grocers

The City is also supporting small neighborhood food retailers impacted by SNAP disruptions. As part of the One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan, the Department of Commerce and The Merchants Fund have launched an Emergency Revenue Replacement Grant Program providing up to $600,000 in relief to small grocers, corner stores, and bodegas that have experienced reduced revenue during the shutdown. This program helps stores keep their doors open, retain staff, and maintain food access in communities.

“Small food retailers are lifelines in our neighborhoods,” said Karen Fegley, Acting Director,. “We are taking action with a One Philly approach to ensure they can continue serving their communities.”

“Corner stores and small grocers are essential partners in food security,” said Jill Fink, Executive Director, The Merchants Fund. “This support helps sustain our community’s food access.”

The program is open now, with applications being accepted through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Eligible businesses can learn more online here.

Resident Need Reflected in SNAP Disruptions, 311 Calls, and Food Finder Use

The City estimates that close to 500,000 Philadelphia residents experienced a disruption in their SNAP benefits. This is in addition to thousands of households already navigating difficult financial headwinds caused by uncertainty and rising costs. These overlapping pressures have significantly increased demand for information, food access, and direct support across the city.

Inquiries to the City’s 311 Contact Center about SNAP benefits, food pantries, and emergency food access have risen by more than 70 percent compared to this time last year, showing how federal SNAP changes and the shutdown have affected households citywide.

Use of the City’s Free Food and Meals Finder at phila.gov/food has also surged. From late October through mid-November, the tool recorded more than a 600 percent increase in activity, with over 45,000 unique sessions from residents searching for nearby food resources.

“People are reaching out to ask where they can go for food or for information about SNAP changes in general, even beyond the federal shutdown,” said Jocelyn V. Jones, Executive Director, Philly 311.

The City’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity offers Philadelphia residents free assistance to navigate new federal work requirements for SNAP that went into effect on September 1st and November 1st.  With the new federal regulations, tens of thousands of Philadelphians could lose their SNAP as early as January 2026. Residents should call the City supported BenePhilly Helpline at Clarifi at 1-800-994-5537 to learn if they are affected and how they can get help.

Strong Intergovernmental and Public Private Partnerships Continue

Philadelphia’s response was strengthened by close cooperation among the City, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and a network of private and philanthropic partners, including Aramark, Dilworth Paxson, and the Navy Yard. The City has also heard from other partners who want to collaborate further around food insecurity.

“Our partners across government, business, and philanthropy stepped forward when families needed them most,” said Mayor Parker. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro and our Commonwealth partners for reinforcing the regional food system, and I want to thank the corporate and philanthropic leaders who continue to join this effort. This is One Philly in action. When our residents need help, we show up, and we show up together.”

Executive Order 5-2025 and the One Philly SNAP Support Framework

On November 1, Mayor Parker signed Executive Order 5-2025, activating the One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan and directing City departments to coordinate emergency relief across food access, housing stability, and small business support. This Order remains in effect and continues to guide the City’s unified response as families recover from the shutdown’s impact.