Dear Students and Colleagues, 

The ongoing federal government shutdown continues to bring with it varying levels of uncertainty, with the latest example being the status of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

At Temple, the impact of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits could be considerable. We know that a segment of our population as well as our neighbors will be impacted by the loss of these benefits, and we are working to identify those who may be affected. We encourage any member of the Temple community in need to visit the Barnett Irvine Cherry Pantry on the first floor of the Howard Gittis Student Center. Free, nonperishable, nutritious goods are available there. 

Any student experiencing food insecurity can also apply to receive donated meal swipes through the Fall 2025 Swipe Out Hunger program. The Division of Student Affairs distributes these swipes at the Louis J. Esposito Dining Center in Johnson and Hardwick throughout the semester, and students can apply here. 

We are also taking additional proactive steps to help students and families in the Temple and North Philadelphia communities during this time. Below is information on how you can support these efforts. 

• The Barnett Irvine Cherry Pantry has set up this Amazon wishlist to facilitate donations. All purchases directly support the Cherry Pantry, helping to meet the basic needs of our community. While this wishlist was initially created to support the Thanksgiving holiday, it has now been broadened to include a wider array of food items, as well.
• Both the Cherry Pantry and the Philabundance Food Bank need additional volunteers to help pack and distribute donations. We encourage those of you who are interested in volunteering with the Cherry Pantry or Philabundance to sign up for volunteer opportunities through the Owls for Philly program.
• On-campus collection sites will also be set up and remain in place until the start of fall break on Friday, Nov. 21. Please bring your nonperishable items (canned or boxed goods like soup or pasta) to any of the following locations. These donations will help support both the Cherry Pantry and a regional food fund that has been established by the Philadelphia Foundation, the William Penn Foundation, and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
  • The Christopher and Julie Barnett Essential Needs Hub (Howard Gittis Student Center, 1755 N. 13th St.)
  • Charles Library 
  • The Entertainment and Community Education Center (1509 Cecil B. Moore Ave.) 
  • The Department of Public Safety (1101 Montgomery Ave. and the Public Safety center station on Beasley and Polett walks)
• Attendees at the women’s basketball games on Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 and at the men’s basketball games on Nov. 11, Nov. 15 and Nov. 19 are encouraged to bring canned food to donate in the lobby of the Liacouras Center.
• Temple’s Hope Center for Student Basic Needs has created the SNAP Cliff resource guide, which will be continuously updated as new information becomes available.
• Donations can also be made to the Dr. Theresa Powell Student Emergency Aid Fund to provide students with short-term financial assistance during this time. 

We have created the following webpage, which includes these details and more information related to SNAP benefits. Additional resources are also available specifically for the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Thank you for your commitment to helping us support our community. 

Sincerely, 

John Fry
President 

Jodi Bailey Accavallo 
Vice President for Student Affairs 

Valerie Harrison
Vice President for Community Impact and Civic Engagement 

Brian Keech
Vice President for Government and Community Relations