MCC’s SNAP Crisis Response: Choice Shapes a Pathway for Resilience

What Happened? 

Due to the federal budget impasse, on November 1st, SNAP recipients across the country experienced an unexpected interruption in their benefits, leaving millions uncertain about how they would put food on the table. While food banks stepped up to help, many were stretched beyond capacity and unable to meet the overwhelming demand. This crisis directly impacted many people in the Maternity Care Coalition (MCC) community and lasted for approximately two weeks. We saw an immediate increased need both from community members and partners. 

What Was MCC’s Response? 

As the threat of a lapse in benefits loomed, MCC chose to respond to the crisis in a way that honored families’ dignity and agency. MCC worked with our networks of partners and loyal donors to implement an urgent response to meet the increased need in the communities we serve. 

To help stand in the gap as families reassessed their budgets in light of the new economic reality, MCC expanded our distribution of basic resources for parenting families. We called on our donor community to purchase new and unopened in-kind donations of diapers, wipes, formula, and menstrual hygiene products to distribute to families, and help offset overall costs many families were juggling. MCC also distributed gift cards accepted at major stores to put the trust and agency directly back into families’ hands. We recognize that parents understand and define what is best for their children and households. 

Through the SNAP crisis, MCC distributed 211 gift cards totaling $16,425 to families (168) and MCC staff (43) effected by the lapse in SNAP benefits and the furlough of federal government employees during the shutdown. 

The funds for the gifts cards were provided by a generous donation from Emma Moretzsohn, a longtime supporter of MCC. 

Emma says, “All parents deserve the security, opportunity, and safety to parent without having to choose between buying diapers or putting food on the table. I am honored and privileged to be able to step up during a moment of extreme crisis and center the dignity and agency of parents with direct support to MCC.” 

This crisis was not only a moment for action, but for MCC it was a moment of critical reflection on our role in supporting our communities’ resiliency. Especially during times of uncertainty and hardship, MCC is dedicated to leveraging our incredible communities to create and fund interventions that center the families we serve and realize the dignity and security all people deserve.

How Can You Get Involved?

Families still need support!

• Purchase high-need supplies like diapers, wipes, formula, and menstrual hygiene products from our Wish List to ship directly to MCC; or
• Drop off a donation of new, unopened supplies like those listed above. Email [email protected] to coordinate (we can share preferred sizes and brands of the most in-demand items)

Thank you for standing with MCC and families across Pennsylvania and Delaware during this ongoing, critical time.