SNAP Eligibility Criteria Continues to Change

SNAP Eligibility Criteria Continues to Change

Now Is The Time For Your Continued Support

Across Pennsylvania, millions of families are still facing an uncertain future.

Last October, the federal government was shutdown for 43 days, from October 1 through November 12. This was the longest funding lapse in U.S. history. This caused Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be delayed, and Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG) saw a 48% increase in visits to our Food Pantries.

One year on, and SNAP recipients are still facing challenges due to new rules put in place by the federal budget bill, also known as the Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law in July 2025. As of September 1, 2025, to maintain eligbility for SNAP benefits, there are work requirements which include volunteering or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours per week. These rules apply if you are between the ages of 18 and 64 years old, do not have a dependent child under 14 and are considered physically and mentally able to work.

SNAP allows families to use their limited income for essentials like some foods, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, and diapers. Without those funds, many must choose between feeding their families or buying basic necessities.

Starting on January 1, 2027, important changes are coming to the Medicaid program, also known as Medical Assistance, in Pennsylvania. Some adults between the ages of 19 and 64 will need to have their Medicaid eligibility checked by completing a renewal every six months instead of every year.

For families already on the edge, the new work requirements mean additional childcare costs, additional costs for gasoline, less time with family and more. For Medicaid recipients, getting your eligibility checked twice per year may cause missed doctor visits or a day off of work and loss of part of your paycheck.

Today, there are approximately 1.74 million people receiving SNAP benefits across Pennsylvania, an 11.22% decrease compared to last year when the work requirements were introduced.  We saw a 48% increase in visits to our Food Pantries when the government shutdown last year. 

In Pennsylvania, 2.8 million individuals are enrolled in Medicaid, and it is unknown what additional increase our Food Pantries or housing counseling services will see starting on January 1. 

BCHG has already seen a sharp increase in both food and housing services since last October, with many families coming through our doors for the first time. We are bracing ourselves for what is next, and we ask you to make a donation now to support this preparation.

Our mission has always been to end food insecurity in Bucks County. That commitment remains as strong as ever, but we cannot meet this growing need without community support.

2025

  • 6,393 visits to BCHG Food Pantries
  • 89,502 meals created with the food provided

2026

  • 32,564 visits to BCHG Food Pantries
  • 131,805 meals created with the food provided
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Understanding What’s Happening

SNAP provides food-purchasing assistance for low-income households. The program is federally funded and administered through Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS).

SNAP is not only a safety net for families, it is also a driver of local economic growth. Studies by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food Research and Action Center show that every dollar of SNAP benefits generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity, especially during periods of economic instability. When families use their benefits at neighborhood grocery stores and farmers markets, that money supports local jobs, small businesses, and community food systems.

In Bucks County, the impact extends beyond individual households. Every benefit dollar spent helps keep food on shelves, paychecks flowing, and local economies stable. When benefits stop, the entire community feels the loss.

What This Means for Bucks County

BCHG operates community food pantries in Doylestown and Penndel that serve residents throughout Bucks County. Our shelves are turning over faster than we can restock them, and the need for personal care items has grown dramatically. We also reimagined our Mobile Pantry, now run by volunteers, to take boxes of food directly to our neighbors’ front door who are unable to travel to our Food Pantry due to lack of transportation or medical challenges.

These challenges come at a time when our regional supply network is already stretched thin. Recent funding losses have reduced the flow of food to local pantries, leaving organizations like BCHG to bridge the gap with limited resources.

What to Do If You Are Affected

If your household relies on SNAP, there are steps you can take right now.

You are not alone.

How You Can Help

This crisis is not just a policy issue. It is a community moment that calls on all of us to act.

  • Donate to BCHG. Every dollar helps us purchase food and essential supplies for families in need.
  • Host a food drive with your coworkers, congregation, or community group.
  • Sign up to volunteer .
  • Share this information. Someone you know may be struggling and not know where to turn.
  • Advocate for change. Contact your elected officials and urge them to protect SNAP and hunger-relief funding.

Every action matters. Together, we can make sure that no one in Bucks County has to face hunger alone.

Standing Strong Together

BCHG believes in the power of community. When one neighbor struggles, others step forward. That belief has guided our work for nearly fifty years and continues to shape how we respond today.

This is a difficult moment for many, but it is also an opportunity for compassion. Our team, volunteers, and supporters are already mobilizing to meet this challenge head-on. With your help, we can continue to provide food, support, and hope to every household that needs it.

Written by

Alan Raisman