Anyone who has been on social media or watched the news has heard about the recent back-and-forth over the government’s efforts to approve a budget, which directly affected the SNAP program. SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was formerly known as Food Stamps and was designed to help low-income households buy food. When government spending was frozen, SNAP benefits stopped going out to families and made it very difficult for some people to afford food. This is where organizations like Shore Care and Share step up to help those in need.
It is estimated that the recent government shutdown affected over 2 million PA residents, including 713,000 children and 697,000 older adults. In addition, the statewide rate of food insecurity is 11.9% with rates of almost 18% in some counties. The average rate for children in Pennsylvania is 16.9%. Rural counties typically experience a disproportionately higher rate of food insecurity.
Recent policy changes have exacerbated the issue of food insecurity. In July of 2025, federal mandates put 132,000 Pennsylvanians at risk of losing their food benefits. In addition, food costs have risen, and only about half of those facing hunger in Pennsylvania qualify for SNAP benefits.
To address food insecurity, the volunteers of Jersey Shore Care and Share, based in Jersey Shore, are working hard to ensure that no one goes hungry. “Since the beginning of November, the number of households we serve has increased,” said Rev. Dr. Kerry Aucker, Pastor of St. John and St. James Lutheran Churches. “Our Monday Pantry Choice doubled from 15 to 30 households. The total number of households served jumped from 240 to 302. Emergency requests increased from one to five households per week. After SNAP benefits were sent to clients, the number this past Monday dropped from 30 to 25 households. Our worries are for the future; however, 65% of our clients receive SNAP benefits. The majority of the clients we serve are over 60 years old. We are already hearing stories of people whose SNAP benefits have been discontinued.”
When asked how their operation can handle such a large volume of need, Auker responded, “Jersey Shore Care and Share is staffed by over 150 volunteers from 27 churches around the area and from the community. We have no paid staff and little overhead. Our volunteers are what make this outreach possible, and they do a terrific job. We have very gifted volunteers, and if you need anything, there is always someone available to jump in and accomplish a task. Our mission is to make sure no one goes hungry, and we are trying to do our best to accomplish that goal.”
When asked if he has noticed a difference in food and monetary donations relative to the recent government shutdown, Reverend Auker responded, “Donations of food and money from businesses, churches, charitable organizations, and individuals have increased, but so have the numbers of households that are in need. We are keeping up with demand, but the selection of food we offer is limited due to cost or availability. For example, meat is very limited currently due to the cost.” In addition, Reverend Auker said that the recent freeze of SNAP benefits increased the awareness of food security in our region. “A lot of people were not aware of the SNAP program or what used to be known as food stamps. Some people also hold stereotypes about people who receive SNAP. The pause in funding and the publicity educated the public about hunger needs and the benefits of the SNAP program. For example, one in nine households receives SNAP. In our area, a lot of SNAP recipients are seniors. Rising food costs, inflation, and utility costs force the elderly to choose between medicine, utilities, or food. Our goal is to supplement their food needs with healthy, nutritious foods.” John Yingling, board member and public information coordinator, added, “I would like to mention that hunger or an empty pantry or refrigerator is not a seasonal occurrence, but a year-round problem that together we can all address with outreach and compassion.”
Jersey Shore Care and Share Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides food pantry and distribution services to those experiencing food insecurity or shortages to assist with proper nutrition and health. Located at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 229 South Broad Street in Jersey Shore, their motto, “God’s work, our hands,” is put into service for residents of the Jersey Shore community and surrounding areas.
Jersey Shore Care and Share offers a drive-through food pantry on the 2nd Friday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., usually rain or shine. In this type of distribution, individuals or their designated proxy can remain in their vehicles and drive through the distribution point to receive at least one box of shelf-stable items, meats, produce, breadstuffs, and other items. Patrons can register on the day of the event when they enter the distribution line. In addition, Pantry Choice is held every Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For this style of service, patrons can walk through a designated area and select items, just like in a supermarket. As with the drive-through, patrons can register on the day of the event.
Currently, Jersey Shore Care and Share is accepting donations of turkeys for their December 12th distribution. They also need 16 oz. jars of peanut butter for November and canned fruit packed in water for December. In addition, the organization is participating in the Feed a Friend collection program, with collection boxes at Dollar General stores in Jersey Shore, Avis, and Nippenose Valley. Shelf-stable food items collected by this program will be distributed to persons in need in our local service area. The Feed a Friend program will be open through early December.
Tax-deductible donations can be made payable to Jersey Shore Care and Share, Inc., and mailed to the organization at 229 Broad Street, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. In addition to monetary donations, the pantry relies heavily on donated food. Additional donation offerings, distribution activities, and times will be announced as they are confirmed. Please check their Facebook page or visit their website for additional information at https://jerseyshorecareandshare.com or call 570-916-1317 or 570-360-0178, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
