SALISBURY TWP., Pa. — With SNAP benefits freezing Saturday amid the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie has organized a food drive to assist local families.
In a press release Thursday night, Mackenzie's office said the effort has already collected more than 1,000 pounds of food, 200 servings of baby formula and 2,000 diapers.
The items will be donated to Second Harvest, the region's largest food pantry, and potentially other organizations, according to Arnaud Armstrong, a Mackenzie spokesman.
Locals are encouraged to contribute as well by bringing non-perishable goods to Mackenzie's office at 1125 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. Sought items include grains, canned goods, snacks, hygiene products, diapers, baby food and formula. Drop off is scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
In a release, Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, blamed U.S. Senate Democrats for the shutdown and the expiring benefits. The federal government has been shut down for the past month as lawmakers quarrel over the terms of a continuing resolution, which would temporarily fund the government since Congress has failed to pass a budget.
"While Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats intentionally squeeze working families for 'leverage,' Congressman Mackenzie and local Republicans are stepping in to support those in need," the release read.
Locals are encouraged to contribute by bringing non-perishable goods to U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie's office at 1125 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Salisbury Township.
Donors to the drive include state Reps. Joe Emrick R-Northampton; Ann Flood, R-Northampton; Zach Mako, R-Lehigh/Northampton; Milou Mackenzie, R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton; state Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Bucks/Lehigh; the Lehigh and Northampton county Republican committees; and the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, according to the release.
Trading blame
Senate Democrats have said they will not support funding the federal government unless the package includes language extending tax credits for the Affordable Care Act. Without the credits, customers could see their health insurance rates jump by 118% in 2026. Mackenzie is on record supporting the credits, though he has joined his fellow Republicans in insisting on a "clean" resolution funding the government.
Critics have argued that President Donald Trump could continue to fund SNAP by using a contingency fund, a step the administration has refused thus far.
Lamont McClure, Northampton County executive and a Democrat seeking to oust Mackenzie in next year's midterm election, wrote Mackenzie on Friday urging him to lobby the president to release $1 billion of federal funding to keep food flowing to needy families.
"If SNAP benefits stop tomorrow, the burden on these emergency providers will become overwhelming. Our food pantries, due to earlier funding shortfalls, cannot possibly absorb this additional blow," McClure wrote.
While public pressure has not moved the president to action yet, federal court orders may. Two federal judges on Friday ruled the administration must use contingency money to fund the SNAP program.
It was not immediately clear how the Trump administration would respond.
