There are two important changes coming to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) that could impact families in our community. First, the state Department of Human Services estimates that 5,000-20,000 households statewide will be disenrolled from SNAP due to ineligibility because of a federal cost-of-living increase to Social Security. For these cases, January will be the final month of eligibility. Additionally, approximately 249,000 households will see a decrease in their monthly SNAP benefit, with the average reduction being $40 per household, which will take effect in March 2023 following the end of COVID-19 SNAP Emergency Allotments. While state officials work with our federal representatives to advocate for additional resources from the federal government, there are other programs in place to provide additional aid for eligible seniors, which this change impacts the most. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides eligible seniors with vouchers redeemable at more than 800 farm stands and 200 farmers’ markets in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the Senior Food Box Program, which is administered by Area Agencies on Aging at the local level, can also provide eligible seniors with additional shelf-stable groceries. Learn more about these programs here. The Just Harvest SNAP Line and the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank also have ways to get food on your table to fill in the gaps that may be left from these changes to SNAP benefits. | 