Four Ways You Can Still Get Help with Food Posted on May 29, 2020January 22, 2021 Though many businesses and churches have been required to close, help with groceries is still available! During this sixth week of the community’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, organizations like Lutheran SeniorLife and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank who provide meals to vulnerable populations continue to operate as essential businesses. Below are some of the many ways you can get help with food: 1. Sign up for the SNAP program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). SNAP is designed to help individuals and families make ends meet by providing money to purchase groceries. The Food Bank has staff to help you through the application process. Income guidelines for this program are located here. You can fill out the SNAP Referral Form on the website, call 1-833-822-SNAP (7627) or text SNAPPA to 555-888. 2. Find a food pantry in your area that can provide help with free groceries. While Monaca UMC’s food pantry is currently closed, you may be eligible to get groceries from a pantry affiliated with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. If you earn an income that is 150% of the federal poverty level, or if you are experiencing an emergency such as job loss, the Food Bank can help. Using just your zip code, the Food Bank’s digital locator tool helps you find a pantry near you. Income guidelines for using the Food Bank’s pantry network and the locator tool are located here. 3. Look into free meals for children through schools and other community programs. Most schools have information on the school district’s websites. You can also find information on this comprehensive listing that the Food Bank is making available. 4. Sign up for Meals On Wheels for the short-term or for an indefinite period of time. Meals On Wheels continues to deliver meals throughout Beaver County to make sure residents have proper nutrition each week. As we shelter in place, more of us qualify for this valuable program. Meals On Wheels is not limited by income, and adults of any age can enroll. Some modifications have been made to deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic to further the safety of those delivering and receiving meals. If you find yourself in need, we encourage you to start by calling the Food Bank at 412-460-3663 or your local Meals On Wheels program (Beaver County residents can call 724-503-5880) to figure out the best way you can get the help with the food or meals that you need. Our thanks to John Merola for providing information on the Food Bank’s programs.