Grundy Foundation Stands with Bristol Borough Families Amid SNAP Crisis

Many residents in Bristol Borough and throughout Bucks County are directly experiencing the effects of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) crisis. Almost 48,000 people in the county who rely on SNAP did not receive their benefits on November 1^st. CNN reports that the federal government is providing half of the normal food stamp benefits for November, but some recipients may not see those benefits for weeks or months. Bucks County food pantries, already struggling, are now facing increased demand as people wait for their reduced SNAP benefits, not knowing when they will receive them.

In response to this crisis, The Grundy Foundation is launching a multi-faceted Thanksgiving Campaign to assist Bristol Borough residents deeply impacted by the disruption at the start of this holiday season. The Foundation will conduct a food drive, provide much needed grant funds to area non-profit organizations, and spearhead a fundraising effort.  

“We know this crisis has a real and immediate impact on many Bristol Borough families,” said Jameson Gilpatrick, Executive Director of the Grundy Foundation. “Our mission has always been rooted in community support and making a difference. This November, we will intensify our efforts in this time of crisis, and we also urge our community join us in helping to get food on the table for our neighbors.”

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

The Foundation is organizing a Thanksgiving Food Drive to collect non-perishable items to ensure the food pantries in Bristol Borough can meet the community’s needs. The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library will serve as a drop-off location for the food drive.

In addition to the Library, visitors to the Margerat R. Grundy Memorial Museum can bring food items during the Victorian Holiday House exhibit Toys & Tinsel.

Community members are encouraged to donate nonperishable foods such as canned foods, peanut butter, rice, pasta, noodles, oats, cereal, jarred pasta sauce, or spices. Perishable items cannot be accepted. Donations will be collected during normal Library hours Monday-Saturday, through December 20, except when the Library is closed on November 26-27. Donations can be made while attending Victorian Holiday House tours at the Museum through December 20^th.

THANKSGIVING MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN

To amplify community giving, the Grundy Foundation will launch a Thanksgiving Matching Gift Campaign to support the five food pantries in Bristol Borough. For every dollar donated through November 30th, the Foundation will match that amount to double the impact. The funds will support the following organizations, ensuring that each donation directly supports those most in need.

•  Bristol Borough Community Action Group
•  Calvary Bristol Food Pantry, Calvary Baptist Church
•  The Food Pantry at First United Methodist Church of Bristol
•  Community Baptist Church Bread of Life Food Pantry
•  Soulful Blessings Food Pantry, Second Baptist Church of Bristol 

The contributions will ensure that the vital and necessary work of these organizations can continue during this critical time.

THANKSGIVING GRANTS

Through its grant-making program, the Grundy Foundation will provide additional support to our current grantees whose work directly supports meeting the food and nutritional needs of low-income households in our community. These funds will help them expand their meal supplies, food boxes, and assist households struggling with delayed SNAP benefits.

The Grundy Foundation remains committed to the ideal of promoting the common good; that through community and individual action, practicing and encouraging generosity, fostering empathy, and supporting civic engagement, we can make a difference and improve the quality of life for the residents of Bristol Borough.  

If you or someone you know is struggling due to the SNAP crisis, resources are available through United Way’s 211, which can connect you to expert, caring help and it’s completely confidential. Call 211 to speak with someone who can guide you to local food, housing, and support resources, or visit pa211.org and use the Food Resource Finder to locate food pantries near you.

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