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SNAP Information from PA Dept of Ed

SNAP Information from PA Dept of Ed

Attention CASD Families,

Please see the information copied below from the PA Department of Education, Acting Secretary Carrie Rowe:

 

Dear Colleague,

I am writing to inform you about recent developments impacting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Pennsylvania, and some resources that you may wish to share with the learners and communities you serve. Earlier this month, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified Pennsylvania that it will be unable to fund November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, and there is not yet clarity on when benefits will be issued in response to the federal lawsuits. We recognize that this information is upsetting and alarming, and will continue to keep you updated as new information is shared with us.

Please be assured – Governor Josh Shapiro is committed to taking action to protect Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP and other resources by:

  • Driving out $5 million in state funding immediately to Feeding Pennsylvania.
  • Issuing a declaration of disaster emergency to expedite the delivery of Commonwealth funds and ensure the release reaches Pennsylvanians as quickly as possible.
  • Launching a private sector fundraising effort to help food banks meet the expected surge in demand – raising more than $1 million so far for the “SNAP Emergency Relief Fund”.

Nearly two million Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP benefits, including more than 713,000 children. Resources to be aware of include:

More information on the federal government shutdown and its impact on benefits is available on the PA Department of Human Services website. Please feel free to share this information with your school and library communities.

Thank you for all that you do for our schools, libraries, educators, learners, and communities.

Sincerely,  

Carrie Rowe, Ed.D.

Acting Secretary of Education