Nearly two million Pennsylvanians face uncertainty over how to feed their families after the Trump administration halted November payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration is calling on Washington to act immediately, warning that the suspension of benefits threatens to trigger a statewide hunger crisis. The White House has declined to use $6 billion in contingency funds already approved by Congress to maintain SNAP payments during the budget impasse.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis visited the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank on Wednesday alongside Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and officials from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to highlight the growing crisis. Davis condemned the decision to withhold funding and urged Pennsylvanians able to do so to support local food banks and nonprofits.
The Shapiro administration has filed legal action against the federal government, arguing that the suspension of SNAP violates federal law and endangers low-income residents who depend on the program. DHS Deputy Secretary for Income Maintenance Hoa Pham said the stoppage marks the first time in the program’s history that eligible families will miss scheduled payments.
SNAP provides about $366 million in monthly benefits to Pennsylvania households, directly supporting grocery stores, farmers, and small businesses across the Commonwealth. State officials emphasized that Pennsylvania cannot replace those funds, warning that the loss will place immense strain on charitable food networks.
Secretary Redding said the state’s agricultural community would continue to assist food distribution efforts but noted that no charity or state government can substitute for the federal program’s reach.
Recipients with existing balances on their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards can still use their funds. Benefits remain valid for up to a year, provided the card is used at least once every nine months. Officials urged participants to safeguard their cards against fraud and remain alert to scams through resources at dhs.pa.gov/scams.
Pennsylvanians seeking emergency food assistance can visit panavigate.org, call 211, or check feedingpa.org for information on nearby food banks and programs as the state awaits federal action to restore SNAP funding.
Source: pa.gov
I want SNAP funding restored, but will not be blackmailed by Democrats wanting to provide free healthcare to illegals.
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP benefits.
Though, illegal immigrants are eligible for a host of other benefits! I love how you folks are trying to change the language. If they crossed our border ILLEGALLY, they have broken the law and are illegal. Stop trying to pretty it up and make it’s seem less than by using phrases like “undocumented “. They disrespected our immigration laws and therefore disrespected this country. Not to mention the folks that are waiting and doing it properly! They need to go until they can come back through the proper channels.