Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger facts for kids
| Non-profit | |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
Key people
|
Laura Wall, (executive director) |
The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger (GPCAH) is a helpful group in the Philadelphia area. It started in 1996. Their main goal is to make sure everyone has enough food to live healthy lives. They help people find food assistance programs. This includes connecting them with SNAP benefits, food banks, and soup kitchens.
Contents
What is the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger?
The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger is a non-profit organization. This means they work to help people, not to make money. They focus on fighting hunger in the Greater Philadelphia region. They believe that no one should go hungry.
How the Coalition Helps People Get Food
The GPCAH connects people with important food programs.
- SNAP Benefits: They help families sign up for SNAP. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It helps people buy groceries.
- Food Banks: They guide people to local food banks. These places give out food to those who need it.
- Soup Kitchens: They also help people find soup kitchens. These places offer warm meals.
A Look at the Coalition's History
The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger began in 1996. It was created to help people find food, shelter, and connect with SNAP benefits.
Working to End Hunger
In 2019, a person working for the Coalition, Alyssa Bradley, said they help in many ways. She mentioned they help people sign up for SNAP benefits if they qualify. Kathy Fisher, a policy director, also works to change how people view food stamp users. She wants to stop the idea that people who use food stamps are "freeloaders."
Helping During Special Events
The Coalition often works with other groups.
- Eaglesgiving Event: In 2018, Laura Wall, the executive director of GPCAH, worked with the Philadelphia Eagles. They helped choose a group called Feast of Justice for an event. Laura Wall was very impressed with the Eagles' efforts.
Support During Government Shutdowns
The Coalition also steps in during tough times.
- 2019 Government Shutdown: In 2019, the United States federal government shutdown caused delays. People did not get their SNAP benefits on time. Many SNAP recipients called GPCAH for help. The organization worked hard to connect government workers affected by the shutdown with SNAP benefits.
Stroehmann Walk + Run Against Hunger
The Coalition organizes a special event every year. It is called the Stroehmann Walk+Run Against Hunger.
What is the Walk + Run?
This event is a 5K race. It happens every April. People run or walk to raise money.
How the Event Helps the Community
The money raised from the Walk+Run goes to many places.
- It helps over 100 food pantries.
- It also supports soup kitchens.
- It helps other hunger-relief groups in Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey.
The Walk+Run Against Hunger also supports other important hunger-relief groups. These include The Food Trust, SHARE Food Program, and Philabundance.
