PFMA APPLAUDS BUDGET AGREEMENT PROVISIONS THAT PAVE THE WAY FOR SNAP PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS 

Two vital studies are commissioned in the agreed-to Human Services Code legislation adopted as part of the broader budget agreement. 

The first is a report evaluating the feasibility of transitioning from magnetic stripe access cards to chip-enabled access cards for use in SNAP. Cases of SNAP fraud have skyrocketed in recent years, in large part due to the fact that electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards employ a magnetic stripe at the point of sale. This dated technology is vulnerable to exploitation by skimming devices, and customers whose card information is stolen may see their balances drained before they realize what has happened. Multiple states are embarking on transitions to chip-enabled EBT cards, which contain the same technology as modern credit and debit cards and are much more resistant to electronic tampering. 

As part of the study, Pennsylvania officials will determine exactly what support is needed to switch over to chip EBT cards, giving legislators vital information as they weigh this needed change. 

The second study will be a broader examination of how SNAP works in Pennsylvania. 

Crucially, as part of this study, DHS is asked to review the state’s SNAP distribution schedule, the timeline along which benefits are sent to recipients each month. Long a pain point for participating retailers, Pennsylvania is the only state that structures its distribution schedule on a county-by-county basis. This patchwork of differing schedules makes stocking and staffing especially challenging for SNAP-participating retailers and confusing for recipients if they move from one county to another within Pennsylvania. Counties where benefits go out on only one or two days a month are particularly impacted. 

Importantly, the language prescribes a funding mechanism for adopting necessary changes to the state’s distribution schedule. 

“We’re eager to see the data-based results of these studies and work with our partners at DHS and in the legislature as they shape these important reforms,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA President and CEO. “PFMA and our members believe in a SNAP system that’s effective, secure, and free of fraud. We’re ready to do our part to help the Commonwealth make SNAP as strong and successful as it can be.” 

The budget also strengthens Pennsylvania’s efforts to improve SNAP by incorporating the language of the Pennsylvania Food Bucks program (HB 1096), introduced by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne). The program would provide 40 cents in additional purchasing power for every $1 of SNAP benefits spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at eligible retailers, encouraging healthier diets while supporting local farmers and stores. PFMA views this as another important step in helping businesses address food insecurity and strengthen Pennsylvania’s food economy. 

“By focusing on healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and giving participants at least forty cents in additional value for every dollar of SNAP benefits spent at eligible retailers, this approach encourages people to choose fresh produce rather than forcing them,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA President and CEO. “It’s a smarter way to get better results, with less red tape, less government overreach, and more respect for Pennsylvanians who rely on the program.”