As of today, more Pennsylvanians experiencing food insecurity are now eligible for support from Pennsylvania’s network of food banks and pantries.
According to a press release from the Governor’s office, “Income eligibility for both the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded programs administered at the state level, have been raised from 150% of the USDA-established poverty level to 185% following a recommendation from the Emergency Food Assistance Advisory Committee. This increase brings the SFPP and TEFAP in line with other food assistance programs such as SNAP, reduced-price school breakfast and lunches provided through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.”
“I want to do everything I can to support success for Pennsylvanians, that’s why we’ve prioritized expanding income eligibility to allow more families to benefit from our charitable food system,” said Governor Wolf. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or paying for the other essentials in life.”
The release also contained a list of programs for Pennsylvanians experiencing food insecurity:
- Food banks and food pantries can be found using this map.
- The WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs provide vouchers to be spent at participating farmers’ markets in the commonwealth.
- The Pennsylvania Senior Food Box Program provides eligible seniors with a monthly box of food to supplement regular groceries, the box can be delivered by DoorDash in select areas.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, provides benefits to purchase food at grocery stores and supermarkets.
- Congregate and Home-Delivered meals are nutritious meals available to Pennsylvanians 60 years of age or older and are delivered directly to eligible individuals’ homes, more information on these meals is available through County Area Agencies on Aging.
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides vouchers to be redeemed at grocery stores for specific food items.
- The Summer Meals Program provides nutritious meals to children when school is not in session.
Details of the new regulation and income requirements can be found in the PA Bulletin.
Find resources for food assistance in your area at agriculture.pa.gov/foodsecurity.
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