State Sen. John Kane (D-9) plans to introduce legislation to beef up Pennsylvania’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
In a Senate memorandum released Monday, Kane proposed changes to SNAP, citing food insecurity and rising food costs.
“SNAP helps 14% of the commonwealth’s residents put food on the table,” Kane said in the memorandum. “Now, more than ever, the reliance on SNAP is increasing and remains as a vital program in providing adequate health and nutrition for our families and children.”
Kane’s proposal would increase funding for the Food Bucks Program and expand incentives across the entire state.
He also wants to “provide no less than forty cents to a SNAP recipient for every one dollar of SNAP benefits redeemed on targeted food items including fruits and vegetables and other healthy options.”
The state’s Department of Human Services website shows that 1.88 million Pennsylvanians are on SNAP. According to The Center Square, government spending exceeded $5 billion on SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania in 2020-21.
“Food insecurity is a heightened concern for Pennsylvanians due to the pandemic and recent rising food costs,” Kane said. “Pennsylvania’s SNAP program serves households that have significant food insecurity struggles.”
