Some families receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) must now meet new work requirements and report that they are meeting the requirements to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
It’s estimated that almost half of School District of Lancaster students are eligible for or receive SNAP benefits.
Under the new federal rules, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits, certain people will have to meet SNAP work requirements that include working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND report that they are meeting these work requirements.
Individuals with questions about how to report work, education, training, or volunteering activities can contact their caseworker at the DHS County Assistance Office or call the Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930.
Beginning November 1, these rules apply to recipients who:
- Are between 18-64 years old;
- Do not have a dependent child under 14 years old; and,
- Are considered physically and mentally able to work
Exemptions from work requirements for being a veteran, homeless, or a current or former foster youth age 18-24 will no longer apply, also beginning November 1. Other exemptions do still apply. You can view a full list at the link below.
Some of these requirements began to phase in on September 1. For more information on the requirements, including resources for finding a job or training program that qualifies, visit the SNAP Work Requirements page on the DHS website.
What this means for families and students
- For households that rely on SNAP, the interruption of this support can increase food insecurity; meaning more uncertainty about where the next meal will come from or whether there will be enough nutritious food to fuel children’s learning and growth.
- For students, food insecurity may lead to harder concentration, fatigue, increased absenteeism, or less participation in school activities, factors that interfere with access, engagement, and a sense of belonging.
- For families, this may mean having to choose between groceries and other essentials (utilities, transportation, medicine), experiencing stress or anxiety about feeding children, or missing opportunities to provide balanced meals.
- For the school community, this signals the need for heightened awareness, staff, teachers, support personnel can help by being observant, offering resources, and fostering safe, non-judgmental support for families affected.
- Though this disruption is temporary and benefits will resume once federal funding is restored, the gap can still create ripple effects, stability matters, and we want to arm our community with options and connection points.
What you can do
- Encourage families: If you know of a household that is concerned, share hugs of support, and point them toward local food resources without stigma.
- Schools: Consider building into your weekly newsletter or family-engagement communication a “resource check-in” to remind families that seeking help is normal and help is available.
- Staff: If a student seems fatigued, disengaged, or absent more often, gently check in, food insecurity may be one of many underlying root causes.
- Community partners: Stay alert for increased demand at food banks and pantries, and consider how we might strengthen referral pathways or collaborate with partner agencies.
Food Pantry Program Directory – Lancaster County, PA
(Includes address, hours or notes, contact details; families are encouraged to call ahead to confirm availability and any eligibility or appointment requirements.) See a full list here.
| Name | Address | Hours / Notes | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster County Food Hub | 812 N Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603 | Walk-in distributions: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 9:30-11:45 a.m. Lancaster Food Hub | 717-291-2261 Lancaster Food Hub |
| Crispus Attucks Community Center Food Pantry | 407 Howard Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603 | Appointment-based choice pantry: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 2:00-6:00 p.m.; Walk-ins after 5 p.m. caplanc.org | 717-394-6604 caplanc.org |
| St. John’s Episcopal Church – Feeding Ministries | Mulberry St., Lancaster, PA 17603 | Pantry open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. No questions asked. St. John’s Episcopal Church of Lancaster | – (via St. John’s outreach) St. John’s Episcopal Church of Lancaster |
| Lancaster County Chooses Love – Resource Center / Food Pantry | 104-106 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543 | Wednesdays 5:00-8:00 p.m. & Saturdays 9:30-12:30 p.m. Low-barrier; no public‐assistance requirement. Lititz Chooses Love | 267-326-1386 Lititz Chooses Love |
| Alpha & Omega Community Center | 708 Wabank Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 | https://alphayomega.us/food-bank/ | |
| **Water Street Mission – Outreach Center (Lancaster) | Downtown Lancaster (corner of Prince St & Conestoga St) | Distribution: Tuesdays 12:30-2:30 p.m.; Wednesdays 9:30-12:00 p.m.; Fridays fresh bread/pastries 10:00-12:00. wsm.org | – (see WSM website) wsm.org |
We believe that every family in our district deserves to feel secure, valued, and supported, especially when circumstances beyond their control introduce instability. If you are a staff member or partner who knows of a family facing this kind of challenge, please communicate with your school’s social worker for additional support. Thank you for being the caring, connected “bridge” that reminds our students and families: you are not alone.
For further assistance, students and their families should contact 2-1-1.