Food boxes are lighter as budget impasse continues
Donations from the public are making it possible for Fayette County Community Action (FCCA) to provide Christmas meals for 2,700-3,000 families, despite the lack of a state budget.
The monthly food boxes will be supplemented by vouchers for turkeys provided to the Community Action food bank through various media fund drives, including the Herald-Standard’s Summer of Caring.
Madeline Sloboda, the director of operations at FCCA, said the food bank normally serves 2,500 families, with the number receiving food boxes increasing to 2,700 to 3,000 in November and December. With the ongoing state budget impasse resulting in dwindling funds, Sloboda said the number of items in each food box has been reduced.
“We’re serving the same number of families; there just a little less in the box,” said Tammy Knouse, the director of customer service for FCCA.
FCCA’s housing and utility assistance programs have been greatly curtailed since the budget impasse began in July, Sloboda said. Knouse added that the transitional shelter facility, that can provide housing for four to five families including up to 21 individuals, has been closed since August because money isn’t available for the 24-hour a day staffing.
There are questions about how much longer the agency can limp along with limited resources.
“We are close to exhausting our line of credit,” Sloboda said.
Even if a budget is passed in the next few weeks Sloboda said it will take time to get back on track with providers and to get new contracts in place to restart programs curtailed by the lack of state funds.
Pennsylvania has been without a budget since June 30.