Email Update: March 21, 2025

Rep. Emily Kinkead March 21, 2025

In this update:

New PHEAA Scholarship
Committee Meeting on Food Waste
Take a PennDOT Survey

Taking the SNAP Challenge
How to Get Free Native Trees
And so much more!

TAKING THE SNAP CHALLENGE

This week, I am participating in the SNAP Challenge, an opportunity to get a glimpse into what life is like relying on SNAP by spending the average SNAP benefit of only $6 per day on food for an individual.

In this moment, it’s important that we draw attention to the fact over 2 million Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP funding to feed themselves and their families every day. If the proposed $230 billion SNAP cut is enacted at the federal level, it’s estimated that the average daily benefit would drop to just $4 per day.

Use this link to send a message to Congress about why we need SNAP.

Follow my social media pages to see updates on my SNAP Challenge.

REDUCING FOOD WASTE HELPS COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY

The PA House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee recently held a meeting at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative in Philadelphia with state agencies, private businesses, and nonprofits exploring how we can work together to simultaneously reduce food waste and combat food insecurity in the Commonwealth.

I also toured MARC’s headquarters, seeing firsthand how they help distribute more than 7.2 million pounds of produce every month to food banks from Maine to Virginia. As co-chair of the Hunger Caucus, I’m eager to continue having conversations like this to learn better strategies for reducing food waste and feeding more families in Pennsylvania.

GET INVOLVED IN FIGHTING HUNGER

Do you know someone who has lived experience with food insecurity and a passion for making a difference? The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is seeking applicants for its Neighbor Leadership Council (NLC), a groundbreaking program that amplifies the voices of local people who have experienced hunger. Elevating lived experiences is one of the most effective ways to drive change and this new program is already helping us identify gaps in services and opportunities around food resources.

Click here or on the image above to check out the new recruitment video and apply online here.

CONGRATULATIONS SPEAKER MCCLINTON

Congratulations to PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton on receiving the Elsie Hillman Lifetime Achievement in Public Service Award alongside state Senator Kim Ward and Chief Justice Debra Todd. I’m so proud to celebrate the achievements of these incredible women during this Women’s History Month!

APRIL EVENTS AT NORTHLAND LIBRARY

Northland Public Library has announced new events for April, including a garden gala, puzzle swap, Shakespeare monologues, and more!

Go to northlandlibrary.org to see everything happening at the library.

RECEIVE FIVE TREES FOR FREE

Do you have invasive plants on your property? The PA Invasive Replace-ive Program is a new initiative that will give homeowners and others the option to remove invasive trees and shrubs from their property and replace them with native plants. Doing so helps reduce the likelihood of these species becoming unwanted “escapees” into neighboring properties, parks, and forests.

Properties owners are encouraged to remove one or more invasive species and may receive up to 5 FREE healthy, native, young replacement trees. Program events begin in May. Learn more on the program website.

NEW SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE

Attention, PA college students! If you're studying an in-demand occupation, the Grow PA Scholarship Program may be for you!

Applications opened March 13, and are first-come, first-served. Recipients must agree to live and work in the Commonwealth after graduation for the number of years they receive the scholarship.

Get more details and apply here.

PENNDOT WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is encouraging drivers to purchase special fund license plates, including the Honoring Our Women Veterans plate. Available for $40, with $15 going directly to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund, these plates help support programs for the approximately 63,000 women veterans in Pennsylvania. The VTF provides grants to organizations assisting veterans with shelter, essential goods, and other services.

For more information on purchasing the plates, please click here.

Remember, if you have any questions or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help! Reach out at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.