PA Hunger Caucus, Pittsburgh Pirates promote anti-hunger initiatives and legislation at PNC Park

Rep. Emily Kinkead    September 3, 2025 | 4:17 PM

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 3 – As 1 in 8 Pennsylvanians are facing food insecurity, the Pennsylvania Legislative Hunger Caucus teamed up with the Pittsburgh Pirates and advocates from across the Commonwealth at a news conference today calling for action on hunger solutions.

“Food insecurity is more prevalent now than it was during the pandemic, so the federal cuts to SNAP are going to do a tremendous amount of harm to families already struggling to put food on the table, as well as impact our farmers who provide that food,” said Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and House Chair of the Hunger Caucus. “While the state simply does not have the resources to fill the gap after hundreds of billions of dollars were cut from food programs in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, there are still actions we can take at the state-level to feed a greater number of Pennsylvanians. As we continue to work to finalize our state’s budget, we still have an opportunity to ensure that Pennsylvania is stepping into the gap as much as possible.” 

Kinkead discussed her legislation (H.B. 180), which would create a universal school meals program in Pennsylvania and eliminate existing school lunch debt. She has also been a vocal advocate for expanding state budget funding to the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) as a strategy to combat hunger.

“As the need continues to grow, the Pirates are proud to stand with our community partners, local and state leaders, and the countless neighbors who are dedicated to building a strong region and a brighter, hunger-free future” said Patrick Joyal, director of public affairs for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“September is Hunger Action Month and it reminds us that hunger is solvable and to take action every day of every month,” said Stuart Haniff, CEO of Hunger-Free PA. “Working together, we can ensure that our Pennsylvania neighbors are safe at home from food insecurity and that their plates are full.”

Photos from the news conference are available here.

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