DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) -- In less than a week, federal changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will take effect starting March 1, 2023.
"It's critically important that SNAP recipients understand what's coming," said Acting Secretary Val Arkoosh of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
All SNAP households will lose a minimum of $95 a month in SNAP benefits starting in March, with a statewide average impact of $181 per household.
1.8 million Pennsylvanians will see their benefits get reduced. Roughly 60% of SNAP households are families with children and nearly half include older Pennsylvanians.
Food banks are preparing for a higher level of need and encourage donating time or money.
"Food prices are skyrocketing and the impact is felt even within our food banks as we struggle to stretch our own dollars," said Shea Saman, CFO of Feeding Pennsylvania.
Food Assistance Resources Available:
- SNAP recipients who are pregnant or have kids under 5 may be able to get help buying food from PA WIC. You can call 1-800-WIC-WINS or apply online at www.pawic.com;
- You can call 211 or visit www.pa211.org to connect with various local food resources;
- Visit www.feedingpa.org to find local food banks and other food assistance programs;
- Go to www.dhs.pa.gov/endinghunger and www.agriculture.pa.gov/foodinsecurity for information on assistance programs and other resources; and,
- If you are a SNAP-eligible senior citizen, the Senior Food Box Program can also provide you with additional shelf-stable groceries. Learn more about these programs from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
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