SNAP benefits see annual increase as demand for assistance grows
, Pa. —
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has announced an annual adjustment to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, commonly known as SNAP, providing most recipients with an average increase of $18 per month to address rising food costs and inflation.
Approximately 1.7 million people across Pennsylvania rely on SNAP benefits, and the adjustment comes as food prices continue to climb.
“I think that’ll help out because food prices are a real concern right now,” Eric Saunders, from New Hope Ministries, said.
Local food assistance programs are also reporting increased demand. New Hope Ministries has served over 30,000 people this year from 11,000 different households. In York, Catholic Harvest Pantry served more than 53,000 neighbors last year.
“So hopefully the SNAP benefit increase will really support those families and that we can still do our jobs, but they will have a little bit more to go to the grocery store with and to provide for their families,” a representative said.
Challenges remain for some SNAP recipients.
“We have been seeing steady, consistent need. A lot of people complained that they’ve lost SNAP benefits because of new work requirements and updated paperwork requirements. So that gives us cause for concern. But a lot of good things are happening in our world,” the representative said.
The adjustment raises SNAP income limits and maximum benefit amounts from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. Most recipients will receive an average increase of $18, and no recipient’s benefits will decrease because of the annual adjustment. The minimum monthly benefit will also increase from $24 to $25.
Organizations like Catholic Harvest Pantry and New Hope Ministries are always looking for help.