Alle-Kiski Valley small businesses step up as time runs out for SNAP benefits

Craig Rearic knows what it’s like to struggle.

“Before I started my own business, I was on food stamps and struggling,” said Rearic, co-owner of Paint Pros in South Buffalo. “I know how important it is, especially for people on a fixed income. As a child, I grew up in a household on a fixed income.”

That’s why, when reading a TribLive article about the thousands of people in Western Pennsylvania whose SNAP payments are in jeopardy because of the federal government shutdown, he felt compelled to help.

Rearic connected with Amy Smidga, a 56-year-old West Newton woman who is disabled, on a fixed income and insulin-dependent. Smidga told TribLive that if she doesn’t receive her monthly SNAP food assistance benefit in November, her efforts to control her diabetes could be in limbo.

Rearic plans to buy groceries for her to make sure she has the staple items she will need.

“I didn’t ask for any donations from it,” Smidga said Friday. “I wasn’t expecting anything like that. That was a shock, it really was.”

According to the state, Smidga is one of nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians at risk of losing SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — benefits if the federal government is not reopened by Nov. 1.

That includes about 160,400 people in Allegheny County, 45,460 in Westmoreland County, 15,450 in Butler County and 10,290 in Armstrong County.

Rearic said he plans to go grocery shopping for Smidga sometime next week to buy her essentials.

He plans on helping about five to 10 people, too, spending probably no more than $100 per person.

He hopes other businesses will follow suit.

On Friday, Rearic started a GoFundMe campaign for financial donations to help support the company’s effort.

“We’re a small business. We can’t extend the offer for everyone, but hopefully it will inspire other businesses to do the same.

“We paint all over Pittsburgh, and we like to give back when it’s something the community needs.”

In addition to SNAP benefits being in jeopardy, the state announced it is pushing back its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program from early November to early December because of the government shutdown. LIHEAP helps more than 300,000 Pennsylvania households heat their homes annually, according to the state.

“We’re juggling rent, food and bills. It’s hard to get stuff on a fixed income,” Smidga said. “Yes, food stamps help and so does LIHEAP.”

Plum pizzeria steps up, too

Paint Pros is just one of the businesses in the Alle-Kiski Valley stepping up to assist those who will be in need with the threatened loss of SNAP benefits.

Lelulo’s Pizzeria in Plum will be offering free meals for children and is accepting donations for people in need, according to owner Patyn McCune.

“I’ve had customers and other people already running low on what they have for this month, and if they don’t get to next month, they don’t have anything to eat,” McCune said.

The eatery, at 415 Unity Center Road, will serve free meals for children, no questions asked, during the shutdown, McCune said. In addition to the kids’ meals, the restaurant will collect household items and food, according to Lelulo’s.

A table is set up at the restaurant where people can take what they need, she said.

“I depended on free lunches as a kid, and both my parents were on food stamps, and that’s how we got food,” McCune said. “Just knowing those kids might not have a sense of normalcy, their lives shouldn’t be flipped upside down. I want kids to be taken care of.”

McCune thanked the community for rallying behind her effort — she emphasized it would not be possible without their support. She, too, hopes other businesses and communities will do the same.

“We will do whatever we need to do to help as many people as we can,” McCune said.

People in need, or those wanting to donate, can reach out to McCune through Lelulo’s Facebook page or by email at plumpizzaqueen@gmail.com.

Vandergrift pop-up food bank set

The Sia Center in Vandergrift is planning a pop-up food bank Nov. 7 to aid SNAP recipients.

Owner Sia Fouse said people can donate nonperishable food at her event hall, 716 Wallace St., or at Jenn’s Play Care, 516 18th St., North Apollo. Monetary donations can be made online at Sia Center’s Facebook page.

Fouse said she plans to buy produce with the money collected the day before the pop-up. She set a $500 goal for donations.

“Food pantries are amazing, but a lot of what food pantries end up with is food no one wants to eat,” she said. “My goal is to have stuff families want to eat.”

A conversation with a customer sparked the idea to do the pop-up food pantry at the event center, Fouse said.

Other items requested include baby items, such as formula, frozen items or cases of water and other drinks. All items must be sealed.

“I’ve seen a couple moms worry about what they’re going to give their kid in a couple weeks,” Fouse said. “I said, we have a location, so let’s fill the location and do what we can.”

People must present their EBT card and a matching ID to accept donations, Fouse said.

“It is while stuff lasts,” she said. “I’ll stretch it as far as I can go. It’s first-come, first-served.”

Fouse said she felt it was important to give back to the community.

“I don’t depend on state help, but not everybody is as lucky or has the same avenues,” she said. “I am fortunate in many ways. I can maneuver when I need to; not everyone is that lucky.

“I think it’s important to give back when you are fortunate enough.

“Nobody should fear what they’ll give their kid in a week or two.”