State providing $5 million to food banks during SNAP freeze
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Friday, Oct. 31, the state is allotting $5 million to be distributed to food banks across the state to offset the freeze in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds during the federal government shutdown.
The funding will be provided to Feeding Pennsylvania for distribution to regional and local level food banks statewide.
According to a news release, Shapiro is also organizing a private-sector fundraising effort. The effort has raised over $1million for a state “SNAP Emergency Relief Fund.”
“Nearly two million Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP every month — and they shouldn’t have to wonder where their next meal will come from because of the dysfunction in Washington,” Shapiro said in the release. “There is no substitute for the federal government’s decision not to release SNAP benefits, but my Administration is stepping up to use every tool we have — state resources, private sector support, and the compassion of our communities — to make sure our food banks are fully stocked and our families are fed.”
To expedite release of funds, Shapiro also signed a declaration of disaster emergency.
“The declaration will allow state resources to be driven out more quickly, streamline contracting, and provide the Governor with additional tools to address the harm caused by the federal government shutdown,” according to the release.
