Why BKO Hunger Matters in 2024
There are two things you need to know about food insecurity in Bucks County right now.
First, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income families, but maybe not as much as you may think.
In 2023, SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania dropped to an average of about $6 per person per day. Even using the US Department of Agriculture’s “Thrifty Food Plan,” that’s not enough. And in Bucks County, it’s definitely not enough for a healthy and balanced diet.
Second, a study just released by Feeding America shows that nearly 50% of people experiencing food insecurity don’t even qualify for SNAP benefits due to their household income. For example, a family of 4 earning just over $60,000 per year (gross) is above the limit for SNAP, but would absolutely struggle to cover rent, utilities, food, and other basic needs in our area.
People who work and “earn too much” for SNAP and other benefits, but not enough to consistently cover their household expenses, are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE).
In Bucks County, about 27% of our population is ALICE. These front-line essential workers are childcare providers, healthcare workers, and other people we rely on every day.
My organization, United Way of Bucks County, focuses on stabilizing families and ensuring ALICE can maintain meaningful employment. When we do, it’s a win-win for those families and our entire community.
But we need your help. After a slight drop post-COVID, we are seeing an uptick in emergency requests from ALICE families again, particularly for food, rental assistance, and help with utilities.
That’s why Bucks Knocks Out Hunger 2024 is vital. Now in its 12th year, BKO Hunger puts healthy food first in the fight against hunger, serves folks in (literally) every single zip code in Bucks County – and is one of the few programs that supports lower-income ALICE workers.
Why should you help? Bucks Knocks Out Hunger strengthens our entire community. When food and nutritional needs are met, neighbors can focus on education, work, and making a positive contribution. That creates a healthier, more vibrant Bucks County for all.
If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. If not, and you have the capacity to give, please consider supporting BKO Hunger and our ALICE neighbors.
United, we can make Bucks County a place where everyone lives healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives. Your gift to BKO Hunger makes it possible.
Donations to BKO Hunger can be made online or by mailing a check to United Way of Bucks County at 413 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills, PA 19030. Please write BKO Hunger in the memo line.