As the federal government shutdown continues, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a pause in the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as of November 1. This would be the first full stoppage of SNAP since the program began during the Great Depression.
Approximately 2 million Pennsylvanians receive SNAP benefits. In Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, and York counties, 73,874 SNAP households spent over $27.5 million at grocery stores using SNAP funds in just the month of December 2024. These purchases directly support the businesses and farms where food is produced.
A group of more than two dozen state Governors and Attorneys General, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, filed a lawsuit against USDA over the disruption of benefits. On Friday, October 31st, federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island issued separate rulings ordering the government to use emergency contingency funds to keep the program running. The process to distribute benefits to SNAP recipients typically takes one to two weeks. The rulings are likely to face appeals.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the Certified Economic Development Organization for Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties
The Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) is the economic development arm of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) approved by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development to perform economic development activities using Pennsylvania’s funding programs in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
