Millions of Pennsylvanians, including many of those in our congregations and served by our ministries, are facing greater food insecurity in the wake of recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — vulnerability amplified by the federal government shutdown and lack of a state budget.
See how this affects neighbors in your county, and read more below for how your congregation can help.
Based on direction from the USDA, the state Department of Human Services announced that as of Nov. 1, SNAP benefits will not be paid unless the federal government reopens and/or federal funds are released to the state. (SNAP payments have continued under previous government shutdowns.) UPDATE: On Friday, two federal judges passed rulings indicating that the Administration should use USDA contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown. The USDA has announced it will pay half the usual benefit amount from contingency funds.
UPDATE: Governor Shapiro announced he has declared a state emergency, freeing up $5 million for food banks across the state. An additional $1 million has been donated to meet the anticipated need.
In the meantime, new federal rules related to SNAP eligibility have already taken effect, which started the clock on Sept. 1 for a three-month limit for some recipients — meaning some could lose access Dec. 1, unless they take action now. (See flyers below that explain new requirements and help people prepare.) In addition to the federal government shutdown, Pennsylvania’s budget is now nearly five months overdue, leaving hunger relief and other safety net programs and the people who rely on them without critical support. Lutheran ministries around the state were already reporting significant increases in need over 2024 even before the state and federal budget impasses. Now, they are bracing for a surge in need. TELL US WHAT YOU ARE WITNESSING IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND MINISTRY. Send a note to LAMPa@Llutheranadvocacypa.org with “SNAP AND HUNGER” in the subject line.
Although state and local programs cannot fill the gap left by the federal government, now is the time to give time, money and energy. Congregations and faith communities can help meet the need by offering information, volunteer hours, advocacy, and financial support of local food banks and hunger ministries — particularly as we approach cold weather and holidays traditionally celebrated with shared meals and community.
“As people of faith, when we pray for our daily bread, we ask not just for ourselves, but for our neighbors,” said Tracey DePasquale. “We know that food is essential to life — and for those already on the margins, these cumulative cuts can be life-threatening. We also know that while we are called in this season of government disfunction to be even more charitable, we are also especially called to strive for justice — and that requires advocacy with and on behalf of those who are suffering and in need.”
What changed, and how you can help:
H.R. 1, the federal Budget Reconciliation Megabill, passed in early July. This bill includes the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in history, totaling more than $300 billion in SNAP reductions. These cuts include even stricter work requirements for most adults, and many immigrant groups who are currently receiving benefits will no longer be eligible. Because of work requirements implemented in 2016, 55 percent of people who lost SNAP Benefits had at least one chronic medical condition, and 1 in 4 people who lost SNAP benefits had a nutrition-sensitive chronic condition, such as diabetes. Learn more about SNAP Work Requirements.
Immigrants are one of the significant groups that these changes will affect. As a result of H.R. 1, the only immigrant groups that are now eligible for SNAP are U.S. citizens, green card holders, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and Citizens of Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands. For Refugees, Asylees, T-Visa holders, Special Immigrants from Iraq/Afghanistan, and VAWA petitioners, SNAP eligibility remains only for lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
Resources for Immigrants:
- Info – How to take action now to protect your benefits – Flyer for worshipping communities and food ministries
New Work Requirements for Non-Exempt Adults:
As of Sept. 1, 2025, if a SNAP recipient is between 18-54 years old, does not have a dependent child under 18, and is considered physically and mentally able to work, they are required to have a job, volunteer, or be enrolled in school or a job training program.
Resources for navigating new work requirements:
- Don’t Lose Your SNAP Benefits! Take Action Now – Flyer for worshipping communities and food ministries
- Complying with New Work Requirements to Keep Your SNAP – Flyer for worshipping communities and food ministries
Local communities will play a crucial role in helping people stay connected to food assistance. Congregations, nonprofits and concerned community members can support their neighbors by spreading the word about the changes and providing the key documents people need to complete and submit to PA DHS. See flyers above and be sure to share resources of local hunger ministries and feeding organizations in your communities.
What You Can Do:
- Call your member of Congress.
- Send your stories of how your neighbors and ministries are experiencing SNAP cuts and increased need to us at LAMPa@LutheranAdvocacyPA.org with “SNAP AND HUNGER” in the subject line.
- Contact your state Representative and Senator to urge them to finally pass a budget with adequate funding for hunger programs.
- Sign up for ELCA Advocacy Action Alerts for ways to contact federal policymakers.
- Listen to ELCA Advocacy’s podcast on hunger. You can find it on YouTube, S3E2 – Here I Pod: Partnerships to End Hunger Together, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
- Give to ELCA World Hunger.
- Support your local food banks, pantries, and hunger ministries. You can call 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or go to pa211.org to find resources in your area.
Resources For Congregations, Ministries and Organizations:
One way to help neighbors continue to receive their benefits is by providing volunteer hours. Here are some resources:
Volunteer Verification Form: SNAP recipients with work requirements will need this form filled out by organizations they volunteer with.
EARN Program: If an organization is interested in hosting volunteer opportunities but isn’t directly connected to SNAP recipients, they can get in touch with the EARN program in their county to establish a relationship and let them know they have opportunities available to SNAP recipients who might come to them needing to complete hours. Contact your County Assistance office to connect.
CAAP: Organizations can list their volunteer opportunities on the PA Navigate site so that Pennsylvanians receiving SNAP can quickly find and connect with them to fulfill their requirements and maintain their benefits. Instead of connecting to the social services you provide, individuals will connect with your team to learn more about your volunteering options.
Special Grants for this time:
ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread Grants
SWPA Emergency Food Funds Grants
Pastoral Letters from PA Bishops
