Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
Some 2 million Pennsylvanians who rely on federal food assistance under the SNAP program will not receive their benefits next month because of the federal government shutdown. The USDA notified Pennsylvania earlier this month that it would not be able to fund the benefits without the government reopening and the state said late Monday it cannot backfill the costs. “Republicans’ failure to pass a federal budget in Washington, D.C. is having a direct impact on our Commonwealth and now, this federal shutdown is threatening critical food assistance for two million Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP to feed themselves and their families,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro in a news release. “In July, Republicans in Congress voted to knock 310,000 Pennsylvanians off Medicaid and 144,000 off SNAP, all in order to give a tax cut for people who don’t need it. Now, Republicans are once again threatening vital support for Pennsylvania families and children – it’s time for them to pass a federal budget and end this shutdown.” Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh said the disruption in “life-sustaining food assistance” threatens the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians. “I urge our leadership in the U.S. House and Senate to come together for a solution that protects people most at risk,” she said. Since 1964, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has provided food assistance to low-income families. The federal government has fully funded SNAP, distributing more than $366 million every month to Pennsylvania. The Department of Human Services said those recipients with unspent funds on their EBT cards will still be able to use them and SNAP benefits are good for the rest of the year. DHS said it will continue to process applications for SNAP and other benefits during the shutdown. The agency said recipients should report case changes, submit any reviews or renewals they receive and update their cases for the new federal work reporting requirements that begin Nov. 1. Those who need help finding food and other resources can use PA Navigate, call 211 or visit www.pa211.org. For assistance finding local food banks visit www.feedingpa.org. The state also urges those who can help to donate to their area food banks.
