
As Pandemic SNAP Benefit Expire: Central Pa. Food Banks Witness Increased Demand
- foodfightadmin
- May 4, 2023
- Hunger In America
- rsc pages
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Noemis De Jesus, a resident of Iowa City, finds herself facing a financial situation where every spending decision has significant consequences. As a former social worker, De Jesus had to stop working in 2019 due to an attack that left her injured. She now relies on social security disability payments of approximately $986 per month to cover her expenses, including rent, utilities, and medical bills. Additionally, she receives a monthly amount between $93 and $114 through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
De Jesus must carefully manage her food purchases to stretch them throughout the month. When her food supply runs out, she often has to rely on basic options like white rice, a fried egg, or Lipton soup until the next SNAP allotment arrives. The rising prices of essential food items such as eggs and milk have made it increasingly challenging for her to meet her nutritional needs.
Through the pandemic, De Jesus received emergency SNAP payments totaling around $280 per month, allowing her to stock up on essential items in bulk. In February, she was notified that her extra benefits would end on March 1.
With the reduction in SNAP benefits, De Jesus is now seeking alternative ways to ensure she has enough healthy food. She is exploring options to cut her monthly expenses. She visits her sister’s house in Allentown, where she helps with cooking in exchange for a portion of the food to store in her freezer. De Jesus has also turned to the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Harrisburg after discovering her eligibility for their assistance.
The expiration of emergency SNAP benefits has led to a steep climb in demand for pantries affiliated with Central PA Food Bank. Data from Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services indicates that average monthly benefits per person are expected to decrease by $105, which could significantly impact individuals and families.
Joe Arthur, Executive director of Central PA Food Bank, expressed concern at the rapid increase in food pantry visits following the end of pandemic-era benefits. The rise in visits suggests that more people are facing dire financial circumstances and seeking help. The food bank distributed approximately 72 million pounds of food between 2020 and 2021, with households receiving an additional $95 each month during the emergency allotment period.
the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Harrisburg also experienced a surge in people seeking emergency food boxes. Meghan Zook, Community Health and Nutrition Administrator at The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region, highlighted the difficulties faced by individuals who had become accustomed to higher benefits during the pandemic. With rising expenses for across household necessities, the reduction in benefits without additional support poses hazardous consequences.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget aims to address these issues by increasing the state’s minimum SNAP benefit by 50% and raising the minimum monthly SNAP benefit for older adults and people with disabilities to $35.
Zook emphasized the need for urgent action, stating that delays in finding solutions are hurting people and putting a strain on nonprofits working in the region. The urgency to provide necessary services and support is crucial to alleviate the hardships faced by individuals like De Jesus.