1.8 Million in PA will See Food Assistance Cut in the Fall!

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Nearly 1.8 million Pennsylvanians will see a cut in food assistance this fall equal to 21 lost meals per month for a family of four, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data discussed in a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C.

Nutrition assistance is our nation's first line of defense against hunger and a powerful tool to help keep families out of poverty. Benefits are modest, offering many Pennsylvania families a crucial bridge in this slow economic recovery.

The cut, which takes effect in November, is the result of an expiring provision included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that temporarily boosted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to strengthen the economy and ease hardship in the wake of the recession. (SNAP is the program formerly known as food stamps.)

All of the more than 47 million Americans, including 22 million children, who receive SNAP benefits will be affected by the November cut in food assistance. For every $1 increase in SNAP benefits about $1.70 is generated in economic activity. Benefits boost demand for farm produce, helping to keep our nation's farms strong.

Ask Congress not to make cuts to the SNAP program!

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