9K Centre County residents rely on SNAP benefits. Where those in need can find meals
Churches, schools and restaurants are rushing to fill the food assistance hole left by the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, with nearly 9,000 Centre County residents set to lose benefits Saturday.
The monthlong federal shutdown has left SNAP, formerly called food stamps, unfunded. President Donald Trump’s administration is sitting on billions of dollars in federal contingency funds, and a federal judge ordered the administration to fund the program in a Friday ruling.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, at a news conference, said the money could take up to 10 business days to reach families, however. He added that he was skeptical the Trump administration would follow the order, given its history of ignoring such rulings. A White House spokesperson referred the Centre Daily Times to the Office of Management and Budget, which did not return an email requesting comment.
Harrisburg gridlock has left food banks unfunded for four months. Centre County says it is unable to help because of the lack of state funding. Shapiro released $5 million in state funds to the commonwealth’s largest charitable food distributor Friday, amounting to about $2.50 per SNAP recipient.
The CDT has compiled a list of resources made available by the community for SNAP recipients and others in need. The list will be updated as more information becomes available.
Data compiled in part by Penn State employee KateLynn Luzier.
Abba Java Coffeehouse
For Penn State students, there is a free coffee shop run by the Wesley Foundation. It is located at 250 E. College Ave. in State College.
Angelo’s Pizzeria
Angelo’s Pizzeria in Bellefonte is offering a menu for families in need for the month of November. The menu includes large trays of pasta, plain pies with a soda and smaller meals at a discounted price, all served with garlic knots.
Blanchard Church of Christ
Blanchard Church of Christ runs a food pantry on the second Wednesday of the month from 3—5 p.m. It is located at 161 Beach St., Blanchard.
Bonfatto’s Italian Market & Corner Cafe
Bonfatto’s Italian Market & Corner Cafe in Bellefonte has a “Pay It Forward Community Meal Card” for those in need throughout November. The card is a QR code that can be found on the restaurant’s Facebook page and scanned in-store, no questions asked.
Centre Church food distribution
Food distribution occurs starting at 6 p.m. the third Friday of the month at Centre Church, located at 119 E. College Ave. in Pleasant Gap.
Centre Hall food distribution
Progress Grange, a fraternal group in Centre Hall, has food distributions the first Wednesday of the month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Items distributed typically include milk, eggs and fresh produce, with dairy sometimes available. Progress Grange is located at 217 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Centre Hall.
Centre Helps emergency food bank
Located at 410 S. Fraser St. in State College, Centre Helps runs a 24/7 food bank for emergencies only.
Centre House emergency food bank
Located at 217 East Nittany Ave. in State College, Centre House runs a 24/7 food bank for emergencies only.
CommonFood Centre County
CommonFood Centre County runs a food distribution program with nonperishables and fresh produce the third Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Register by calling 814-409-8584 or emailing commonfoodpa@gmail.com. The distribution site is 105 S. Main St., Port Matilda.
Cozy Thai Bistro
The restaurant will give away free pad thai meals to the first 50 people who ask on Nov. 8 from noon to 1 p.m. The restaurant’s address is 232 S. Allen St., State College.
FaithCentre Food Bank
Fresh produce, dairy, meat, baby food, baked goods and personal care products are available Wednesdays at FaithCentre Food Bank, located at 131 S. Allegheny St. in Bellefonte. People with last names A-E go the first week of the month, F-L go the second, M-R go the third and S-Z go the fourth. Registration is required. Call 814-355-4400.
Feed the People Market Stand — Student Farm at Penn State
Penn State students run a pay-what-you-can produce stand. It is located at the HUB-Robeson Center, 288 Pollock Road, University Park. It is open Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m.
Fillmore Food Pantry
This food pantry opens the third Saturday of each month and is located at 126 Apple St. in Bellefonte. The CDT is trying to verify hours.
GoPuff State College
GoPuff is offering $25 in free groceries, plus free delivery, per SNAP customer. Use code SNAPRELIEF1 through Nov. 15 and SNAPRELIEF2 from Nov. 15–30. Offers end when 200,000 coupons are redeemed nationwide.
Grace Lutheran Church
Grace Lutheran Church, at 205 S. Garner St. in State College, is having holiday food distributions Thursdays, Nov. 6, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec. 18 and Jan. 8.
Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church
The Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church at 1776 Halfmoon Valley Road in Port Matilda, will have drive-thru food distributions Mondays, Nov. 3 and Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. There are no income restrictions, with registration at pick-up.
Howard Area Food Pantry
The food pantry serves Curtin Township, Howard Borough, Howard Township, Liberty Township and Marion Township. It is located at 44 Vesper St. in Beech Creek and opens the first Monday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m.
Kitchen 1870
Kitchen 1870, a bakery and bed and breakfast in Aaronsburg, noted on Facebook its bakery operates on a pay-what-you-can basis. It offers breads, cakes, cookies and other baked goods.
Lion’s Pantry
For Penn State students, the Lion’s Pantry offers nonperishables and other household items. Hours vary and can be found on its Instagram page. The pantry is located at 133 Bluebell Road in University Park.
Little Mamma’s Pizza
Little Mamma’s Pizza in Bellefonte is offering $6 combos. Options include two slices of pizza, soup and garlic bread, salad and garlic bread and half sub and chips, all served with a fountain beverage.
Milesburg Food Pantry
Food bank opened on the first Tuesday of each month from 1—3 p.m. Contact 814-355-0890.
Milesburg Little Free Pantry
Emergency food. Address is 301 Turnpike St., Milesburg.
Park Forest Village United Methodist Church mini pantry
There is a small food pantry located outside the Park Forest Village United Methodist Church that residents try to keep stocked with food. The church is located at 1833 Park Forest Ave. in State College.
Pastor Cathy Dittman of Snow Shoe United Methodist Church
Pastor Cathy Dittman said she can be contacted at 814-441-0642 “if there is an urgent need, particularly when it involves children.”
“I have some funds available in our churches that I can help them out with,” she said of needy families.
Penn State Basic Needs Hub
For Penn State students, there is a small selection of food items, cleaning products, hygiene products and cold weather clothing available at 222 Boucke Building, 325 Pollock Road, University Park. Hours are weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Penn State Pods’ Pantry
For Penn State students, there are food items and hygiene products available at 146 Ritenour Building, 371 Pollock Road, University Park. Hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Penn State College of Agriculture Food Pantry
For Penn State students, there is a food pantry at 122 Agricultural Administration Building, 160 Curtin Rd, University Park. Hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Penn State College of IST Cupboard
For Penn State students, there are grab-and-go snacks, single-serve items and a small section of personal items available at E103 Westgate Building, 288 N. Burrowes Road, University Park. Hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Penn State Helping Hands Depot
For Penn State students, there are non-perishable foods and hygiene products available at 10 Henderson Building, 282 Henderson Drive, University Park. Hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Philipsburg Community Action Food Pantry
This is a food bank serving Philipsburg and Rush Township. It is open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment and located at 14 S. Front St. in Philipsburg. Call 814-342-0404 or 800-822-2610.
Philipsburg Paltry Pantry
There is a small food pantry at 229 Hickory St., Philipsburg.
Snow Shoe Township Fresh Express
This food distribution occurs at noon the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Snow Show Township offices, located at 268 Old Side Road in Clarence.
Snow Shoe United Methodist Church food pantry
This is a food bank serving Burnside Township, Snow Shoe Borough and Snow Shoe Township. It is located at 502 Moshannon Ave. in Snow Shoe and is open the second Thursday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m.
South Hills School of Business & Technology
South Hills School of Business & Technology has a box with nonperishable items. The school is located at 480 Waupelani Drive in State College.
Spring Township Police Department
The Spring Township Police Department is offering families in need gift cards to area restaurants, no questions asked. Call 800-479-0050 or message the department on Facebook.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in downtown State College offers a free dinner every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. The church is located at 208 W. Foster Ave..
St. John Lutheran Church Fresh Express
This food distribution occurs from 4 to 6 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 216 N. McAllister St. in Bellefonte.
St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church Fresh Express
Food distribution here occurs the third Thursday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. at 160 N. Main St. in Pleasant Gap.
State College Area School District
State College Area School District noted in a Tuesday email to families that those needing assistance with basic needs could fill out its family needs assessment form. Resources can be made available to students, family or staff members affiliated with the State College Area School District.
State College Domino’s
The Domino’s at 540 Westerly Pkwy. in State College is offering one large topping pie to anyone who presents a SNAP card.
State College Food Bank
A food bank serving all of Centre County opened Mondays from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
State College YMCA Military Share Food
For active-duty service members, veterans and military families, there is a food sharing program operated by the YMCA on the second Monday of the month at 10 a.m. The address is 200 Ellis Place, State College. Email mcurtis@ymcaocc.org to register.
Trinity United Methodist Church Bellefonte
Trinity United Methodist Church in Bellefonte offers a free lunch on weekdays at 11:30 a.m. The church’s address is 128 W. Howard St., Bellefonte.
YMCA of Centre County Backpack Program
School children in need are able to get a backpack full of food each Friday (or the last day of the school week) at the YMCA of Centre County. The program is open to children in all of the county’s school districts. More information is available on the YMCA website.
Yummy Toddler Food
Amy Palanjian of Yumy Toddler Food wrote on Facebook she occasionally has “extra prepared food leftover from photo shoots,” no questions asked. She said she could be reached via email at amy@yummytoddlerfood.com.
This story was originally published November 1, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
