State seeks more participation in SNAP

(Harrisburg) — The State Departments of Aging and Human Services are working to raise awareness about help for hungry Pennsylvania senior citizens. 

With only 30 percent of eligible Pennsylvania senior citizens enrolled in SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne says state officials are trying to address the stigma and lack of knowledge food-insecure seniors may have about the program.

“We are trying to increase our efforts on the education and outreach side, even trying to get current seniors who are SNAP participants to provide testimonials so that they can share with their fellow seniors that this program is really part of the hunger safety net,” Osborne said.

Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller says seniors enrolled in SNAP have better health outcomes and cost less in Medicaid and Medicare dollars than seniors not taking advantage of the program.