For some in Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ communities, November will bring a harsh and sudden cut to an important safety net supporting people experiencing hunger and food insecurity.
As of November 1, according to numbers from Governor Shapiro’s office, nearly two million Pennsylvanians across the state will lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The impacts won’t be evenly distributed. As shown by a recent report from the Williams Institute, LGBTQ+ people are significantly more likely to rely on SNAP, and transgender people, bisexual women, and lesbians are the most affected. Simply put, losing benefits means losing meals.
For Pittsburgh’s HIV-impacted community, the SNAP cuts come on top of recent funding cuts to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program that includes funding for food banks, hot meals, and grocery vouchers. Those cuts are already reaching local organizations that provide essential support for people living with HIV, with fewer options available for those who need to access food.
In the face of these catastrophic cuts, local LGBTQ+ public health organization Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation remains committed to working with partners to ensure the needs of LGBTQ+ and HIV-impacted community members are met.
“Food insecurity has historically hit our communities harder,” said Sarah Rosso, Executive Director of Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation. “Now, with both SNAP cuts and significant reductions in Ryan White funds, we’re preparing for a level of need we haven’t seen in years. Our food bank is all-hands-on-deck at this point to prepare for growing need heading into the holiday season.”
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Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation has been a lifeline for many LGBTQ+ and HIV-impacted Pittsburghers facing food instability, offering weekly grocery assistance, fresh produce, and hygiene supplies. Currently, Hugh Lane is serving nearly 100 people a week, but that number is expected to rise in the coming days and weeks as SNAP and Ryan White cuts ripple through the region, just as the holidays are approaching.
In the face of these cuts, Hugh Lane is calling on Pittsburgh to come together.
On Saturday, November 1, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Hugh Lane will host Stuff-A-Jeep at 925 Brighton Road. Community members can help fill two Jeeps with non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, and body care essentials to sustain community members through the days ahead.
Every donated can, bag, and bottle represents a small act of community care, and a refusal to let neighbors go hungry when policies threaten to pull food from the tables of LGBTQ+ people in Western Pennsylvania.
“Cuts like these are devastating,” said Rosso, “but they’re also a reminder of how powerful we are when we respond together. We take care of each other. That’s what community is.”
For those looking to help, donations can be dropped off at the event or made at the link below.
