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(WTAJ) — The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has seen record high enrollment from Pennsylvania residents.
In November 2023, over two million residents were receiving benefits from the SNAP program, in comparison to the same month prior to the pandemic, November 2019, where around 1.7 million Pennsylvanians were receiving assistance.
According to a report done by the Independent Fiscal Office, from November 2019-2023, three SNAP benefit changes expanded the number of recipients or the average benefit being paid.
In Oct. 2022, Pa. increased the SNAP income eligibility from 165% of the federal poverty income guidelines (FPIG) to 200%. The FPIG are figures issued by the U.S. Department of Health (DHS) and Human Services and are used to establish eligibility for a variety of public assistance programs, according to the DHS.
When the DHS increased the income eligibility, it was estimated that 420,000 residents would become newly eligible for SNAP benefits.
For the federal fiscal year 2022, the USDA updated the definition of the “Thrifty Food Plan” to increase benefits. The food plan is one of the four food plans that the USDA develops to estimate the cost of as healthy diet across various price points.
The USDA concluded that the cost of a nutritious and cost-effective diet was 21% higher than what was currently in place at the time. An adjustment was then made that led to an increase between $12 to $16 per person, per month.
This was the first update in more than 45 years to the food plan and benefits.
In August 2023, SNAP benefits were expanded to certain college students, however, there is not an estimate of the impact at this time. College students who are enrolled in qualifying employment and training program become eligible for benefits.
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