In response to the federal government shutdown and resulting pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits effective November 1, the York County Community Foundation (YCCF) and United Way of York County (UWYC) have partnered to provide immediate assistance to local families facing food insecurity. YCCF established the Nourish Now: Food Relief Fund where others can donate to this cause. UWYC launched the Emergency Food Relief Program as a first effort to support impacted families.
Funded initially with $65,000 in grants from YCCF and the Memorial Health Fund, a supporting organization of YCCF, the charitable Nourish Now: Food Relief Fund is designed to offer flexible, rapid support to York County residents directly impacted by the loss of SNAP benefits. With more than 59,500 local individuals qualifying for SNAP, representing approximately $10.5 million in monthly benefits, the pause threatens thousands of households already struggling to make ends meet, and who on average receive $176 in monthly benefits.
The Nourish Now: Food Relief Fund, housed at YCCF, will support the initial Emergency Food Relief Program administered by the United Way of York County. United Way will provide qualifying families with a $100 electronic grocery voucher redeemable at participating local stores. These one-time credits are intended to bridge the gap while federal food assistance is unavailable. The initial phase aims to serve at least 600 families, with the goal of scaling up as donations and demand for the relief increase.
“Food insecurity can’t wait, and we cannot ignore this issue for many of our neighbors,” said Natalee Gunderson, President & CEO of YCCF. “This collaborative effort allows us to move resources quickly to York Countians who suddenly find themselves without the support they need. Every dollar donated helps a York County neighbor put food on the table. United Way is the ideal partner to mobilize these resources quickly and across the County.”
This coordinated strategy also allows our community to have a multipronged approach to address food insecurity. Charitable food pantries are also facing funding shortages during the shutdown, limiting their capacity to meet the increased demand. After conversations with charitable food providers, the Nourish Now Fund and Emergency Food Relief Program adopted an “upstream” approach by reaching individuals directly while also easing pressure on local food distribution networks. However, the Nourish Now Fund was not created to be the only vehicle resourcing food insecurity during the budget impasse. Continued support for charitable organizations who provide food resources also benefit our community.
“United Way of York County and York County Community Foundation are no strangers to identifying and filling gaps in our community, especially in times of crisis,” said Brian Grimm, President of UWYC. “Together, we aim to provide temporary relief for hardworking families while they navigate this moment of uncertainty.”
The Nourish Now: Food Relief Fund invites additional contributions from corporations, and community members.
How to Give:
Online: Visit https://yccf.org/nourishnow/
By Check: Make payable to York County Community Foundation with “Nourish Now: Food Relief Fund” in the memo line and mail to 14 West Market Street, York, PA 17401.
York County residents who have been impacted by the SNAP benefit pause can apply for UWYC’s Emergency Food Relief Program through an online form at: https://www.unitedway-york.org/emergency-food-relief
York County Community Foundation creates a vibrant York County by engaging donors, providing community leadership, and investing in high-impact initiatives while building endowments for future generations. The Community Foundation holds nearly 700 endowed funds and assists donors and nonprofits in reaching their charitable goals. York County Community Foundation granted $10.8 million in 2024 throughout York County and beyond, and stewards approximately $237 million in assets. For more information, please visit www.yccf.org.
For 100 years, United Way of York County has worked in the York County community to improve people’s lives. It began as The York Welfare Federation, an organization that raised funds on behalf of 17 member agencies. Today, as United Way of York County, the mission remains the same, but the strategies have evolved in order to meet the growing and changing needs of people living in our York community.
In 2022, United Way of York County announced a three-year plan to transform its community impact to an issue-focused model, concentrating future efforts on the issue of working households struggling to cover basic living expenses. Approximately one in four York County households earn more than the federal poverty level but do not earn enough to pay for basic needs. United Way of York County’s goal is to help bridge the gap for thousands of financially struggling, working families through short-term support while also building pathways to self-sufficiency. United Way of York County’s goal is to assist hardworking households on their journey toward financial stability.
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