By Alex Baloga, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, and Ann Sanders, Director of Public Benefits Policy and Programs, Just Harvest
We recently have been reminded of just how important food assistance is to residents of the Commonwealth. The after effects of the pandemic and rising inflation have contributed to record usage of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is a vital lifeline for hundreds of thousands of PA families, helping more than one in seven Pennsylvanians put food on the table.
It also serves as a catalyst for local economies and is one of the most successful public-private partnerships in U.S. history. As Congressional lawmakers continue to navigate the budget and a future Farm Bill, it is crucial to maintain spending levels and stay true to the core promise of the nation’s largest anti-hunger program.
Food insecurity cuts across demographics like age, geography and education. It impacts children and seniors, rural and urban residents, those with jobs and those without. Benefiting 700,000 children in Pennsylvania alone, SNAP ensures children have the nutrition needed for healthy growth and development, while also reducing the risk of developmental delays and other health issues.
For seniors and individuals with disabilities, SNAP reduces reliance on costly healthcare services and provides critical support that enables them to maintain their independence and well-being. By alleviating the burden of food insecurity, SNAP allows families to focus on other essential needs, such as housing, education, and healthcare.
SNAP is an investment in the long-term health and well-being of Pennsylvanians. Studies have shown that SNAP participation is linked to improved health outcomes, particularly among older adults. Access to nutritious food helps prevent chronic diseases, reduces the risk of falls, and improves medication adherence. These positive health impacts translate to lower healthcare costs and a better quality of life for SNAP recipients.
Food assistance benefits generate economic activity and support jobs in the food industry, as they are primarily redeemed at local grocery and convenience stores. This influx of spending creates a ripple effect up and down the food supply chain.
When emergency allotments were discontinued in 2023, retailers lowered their orders to minimize waste. Those smaller orders filtered back down to suppliers, distributors and manufacturers, and ultimately farmers and other producers. When there is less demand, producers make less, and sell less. The economy contracts, and that affects everyone.
In addition to its importance among recipients who depend on it for steady, nutritious food, upstream impacts of the SNAP program are profound. Failing to support it now would be to let down the communities for whom SNAP means healthier residents, stronger businesses, and brighter futures.
Digging deeper into possible negotiations among legislative leaders in Washington, we absolutely believe in maintaining SNAP choice. Choice mitigates the stigma associated with food assistance. Families that feel they are exchanging their dignity for food assistance are less likely to participate, which ultimately benefits no one.
Restricting what items are available to someone rarely has the intended effect, and in this case would likely exacerbate food insecurity and hunger for those who already have limited access to grocery stores or kitchens.
Rather than restrictions, it is proven that incentive-based approaches and nutrition education increase the purchase and consumption of fruits and vegetables.
We understand that fiscal responsibility is a priority. While responsible spending is essential, it’s crucial to weigh the immediate costs of SNAP against its long-term economic and societal benefits. By supporting SNAP, we are not simply providing food; we are investing in the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of our communities.
And while we advocate for continued SNAP funding, we also recognize the importance of addressing program fraud and abuse, such as the ongoing theft of benefits from eligible families.
Efficient program administration and measures to prevent misuse of benefits are essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring resources reach those who need them most. ■
