Pittsburgh non-profits uneasy about changes that could come with President Trump’s spending bill

PITTSBURGH — President Trump’s spending bill is in the hands of the House of Representatives after passing through the Senate this week. 

It’s facing sharp criticism from democrats who say cuts to programs like Medicare and SNAP go too far. 

“I think we’re going to see a lot of increase in food insecurity,” Jennifer England, VP of External Affairs at 412 Food Rescue, said. 

Her organization saves food that would otherwise be thrown away. 

She says “412” recently lost an EPA grant that would’ve paid for 166,000 meals in Washington County.

“Nonprofits are getting it from both ends. Funding is being cut. Need for their services is going up,” England said. 

The bill would expand work requirements to receive SNAP Benefits. Channel 11 spoke to two women on SNAP who support the change. 

“I believe it would be a great thing,” Sharon Zyglowicz of McCandless said. 

“It’s only to eliminate people who really are capable of working but don’t want to,” Della Grebinoski of Ross Township. said. 

Jerrell Gilliam is the Executive Director at Light of Life Rescue Mission.

“Right now, there’s some uncertainty in the air,” he said. “People who experience housing insecurity, food insecurity, every little bit can disrupt them.”

He says Light of Life only gets about 5% of its funding from federal sources, but it is supported by foundations that rely on it. 

“There’s always a ripple effect. Pittsburgh is a small community. If you take some away in one area, it’ll impact others,” he said. 

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 40 million people could ultimately be affected, including 600,000 low-income households. 

Benefits there could be cut by an average of $100 a month. 

“Without those federal funds, the foundation community and state governments will not be able to fill the gap. We’re going to see a rise in hunger,” England said. 

“Just can’t be ‘hey I’m not going to do anything but I want everything.’ Doesn’t work like that,” Zyglowicz said.

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