A series of PFMA-supported legislative proposals that would help businesses combat food insecurity are progressing through the Pennsylvania General Assembly. As the calendar ticks over to June and lawmakers work to pass a state budget ahead of the new fiscal year which starts July 1, the association is working hard to get them to the governor’s desk.
Limited Liability for Donating Food Past Recommended Label Codes
HB 615, by Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia), would expand the current immunity from civil and criminal liability that exists in law to explicitly apply to the donation of food that has exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended label code date, but is still fit for human consumption. Clarifying these liability protections would encourage donations, significantly reducing food waste and increasing access to healthy meals for vulnerable populations. This bill passed the House and is scheduled for a Senate Committee vote in June.
SNAP Payment Distribution Study
HB 749, legislation by Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin), would direct the Department of Human Services to conduct a study of Pennsylvania’s SNAP payment distribution schedules by analyzing caseloads, U.S. Census data, and other states that issue payments over more than 10 days, and further direct DHS to develop SNAP payment schedules that work effectively and efficiently for all Pennsylvanians. Better aligning Pennsylvania’s disparate county-level SNAP distribution schedules would greatly benefit both recipients and businesses participating in the SNAP program. HB 749 passed the House in April and is awaiting a vote in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Fresh Food Financing Initiative
HB 764 by Rep. Danilo Burgos (D-Philadelphia) would reauthorize the Fresh Food Financing Initiative in Pennsylvania, providing funds to assist food retailers operating in low- and moderate- income areas conduct expansions and similar operations. HB 764 passed the House in April and is awaiting consideration by the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
Pennsylvania Food Bucks
HB 1096 by Rep. Eddie Pashinski (D-Luzerne), establishing a PA Food Bucks Program, passed the House and is awaiting a vote in the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. The bill would promote healthy food items like fruits and vegetables among SNAP recipients by providing a benefit worth a minimum of forty cents for every dollar of SNAP benefits redeemed at eligible food retailers on these items.
Other items of note include: HB 1429, legislation requiring the Department of Human Services to study the feasibility of transitioning to EBT chip cards in Pennsylvania, which passed the House by a vote of 196-4 in early June. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration, where PFMA will continue to advocate for its support. HB 1425, vapor directory legislation, has been set on the House calendar for June. PFMA continues to work on getting this legislation to the Senate and the governor’s desk. Vapor directory legislation HB 1425 is on track to continue progressing through the House chamber as well.
Tell Congress to protect SNAP funding
Congressional debate over federal spending priorities has now shifted to the Senate, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is at risk of programmatic cuts and changes that would materially affect its positive impact on Pennsylvania families and businesses.
The fact is, SNAP now helps more than one in seven Pennsylvanians put food on the table. The program is not merely a safety net; it is a vital lifeline for countless families, and a catalyst for local economies across the Commonwealth. Every dollar invested in SNAP generates $1.79 in economic activity and supports jobs along the entire food supply chain.
The time is now to let federal lawmakers know how cuts to SNAP would impact your customers and your operations. ■
