State Food Purchase Program Call-in Day | Advocacy List |
In cooperation with Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is participating in a “CALL-IN DAY” to encourage adequate funding for the State Food Purchase Program. Last June funding for SFPP was reduced in the final minutes of budget negotiations.
Here’s how you can help make certain that doesn’t happen again:
1. Find your State Representative by going to: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/. Click on the word address in the “Find Members By” box in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Enter your address.
3. Click on the link for your PA House member.
4. Dial his or her Harrisburg office number.
5. Tell them you support adequate funding for SFPP – you can use this message:
"My name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [Town/Neighborhood]. I’m calling to ask Representative [LAST NAME] to make certain that the state budget provides adequate funding for the State Food Purchase Program. This program is essential in helping food banks feed the hungry. I understand that it is a difficult budget year, but the need for SFPP has increased 44% over the last five years while funding has decreased by 7.5%. I ask Representative [LAST NAME] to protect this program and support restoring the State Food Purchase Program appropriation to the $18.75 million level that the program received prior to the recession. Thank you."
You can also help "spread the word" by sending this information to your friends, family, and professional colleagues.
WHAT IS THE STATE FOOD PURCHASE PROGRAM?
SFPP is the Commonwealth's most significant contribution to the effort of Pennsylvania's food banks, food pantries and other providers of nutritional assistance to acquire and distribute food to Pennsylvanians with low-incomes.
SFPP provides greatly needed resources to all 67 counties for the purchase of food and nutritional supplements, for critical food provider transportation and infrastructure needs, and to cover the charges associated with accessing federal food commodities. SFPP is an essential tool for Pennsylvania’s food banks and food pantries in the effort to help meet the basic needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
Thank you for taking the time today to speak out in support of the State Food Purchase Program.
