Pennsylvania SNAP enrollment declines as food banks see increased demand
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
Pennsylvania has seen a decline in enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program since new eligibility and work requirements took effect last year, while food banks and pantries across the state report increased demand for their services.
SNAP enrollment drops following eligibility changes
SNAP enrollment fell from about 1.96 million people in May 2025 to 1.72 million a year later, according to state data.
A Pennsylvania Department of Human Services spokesperson said an estimated 89,000 people were affected by changes to SNAP eligibility requirements passed by Congress as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Food pantries report growing demand
At the same time, food assistance organizations say they are serving more people.
Deidre Lenker, who works with a Harrisburg-area food pantry, said the number of people served by the pantry has increased about 13% over the past year.
Lenker said it is difficult to determine how many of those people lost access to SNAP benefits. But she said the pantry provides an important safety net for people who rely on its once-monthly services.
“We all know that the prices of things have gone up,” Lenker said. “Even whatever dollars and resources they have cannot buy as much.”
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank also has seen increased demand. CEO Shila Ulrich said the organization is serving about 4% more people than it was at the same time last year.
Ulrich said SNAP remains an important resource for households across Pennsylvania, helping families afford groceries and supporting local communities.
“That’s helping groceries. It’s helping local folks have a job,” Ulrich said. “There are lots of factors that kind of go into what makes SNAP such an important program throughout our state.”
Pennsylvania invests in SNAP administration
Pennsylvania is also spending $67 million to cover increased costs of administering the program under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The state is hiring hundreds of workers at county assistance offices as it works to reduce its error rate in distributing benefits.
Food banks and pantries say they expect demand for emergency food assistance to remain high as households adjust to changes in SNAP eligibility and rising food costs.
