SNAP benefits are set to expire this weekend due to the ongoing government shutdown, prompting several states to sue the White House for not utilizing an emergency program. Federal judges ruled on Friday that the program is mandated by law.
Also on Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro declared a “disaster emergency” in Pennsylvania in response to the impending expiration of SNAP benefits.
Local efforts to supplement the need are underway, with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies announcing $30,000 in grants to food banks in Cambria County. Angie Berzonski, executive director of the foundation, said, “This year especially, our donors saw the tremendous need that’s going to be out there through the winter for basic health and human service needs.”
Gov. Shapiro stated that state officials are taking steps to provide food to the approximately two million Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP benefits. He noted that even if the Trump administration begins funding SNAP immediately following the federal judges’ rulings, the need for assistance remains. “It’s going to take about 10 days for them to be able to get those dollars flowing to SNAP recipients again,” Shapiro said.
The disaster emergency signed Friday will allow $5 million of state funds from Feeding Pennsylvania and $1 million from donors in a new SNAP assistance fund to be distributed to food banks in Pennsylvania. “That will allow them to purchase more healthy food from local sources including Pennsylvania farmers to provide food assistance to millions of Pennsylvanians who are in need,” Shapiro said.
He said federal officials have made it clear that the money will not be reimbursed and that the state cannot completely replace SNAP with funds from Feeding Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania cannot possibly fill the gap left by $366 million dollars a month,” Shapiro said.
Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding PA, reassured residents, saying, “For the millions of Pennsylvanians who are feeling anxious about what’s to come, I want you to know our food bank network is here for you. We will navigate this crisis together.”
Shapiro said that the state funds are being made available immediately and should soon reach food pantries.