In response to higher prices, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has significantly increased the income guidelines for food assistance.

“Under the previous guidelines, a one-person household could make $19,320 annually or less to qualify,” according to a release from Second Harvest Food Bank Marketing and Media Coordinator Natalie Massing. “Under the new guidelines, which went into effect on July 1, 2022, a one-person household is now able to make $25,142 or less to receive assistance.”

“This significant increase has arrived at just the right time due to the cost of so many food items going up due to inflation,” Director of Network Relations Gerry Weiss said.

“Hunger is everywhere,” Massing said. “We are all just one crisis away from needing Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania. Maybe it’s a job loss, illness, injury, death in the family, or unexpected debt. Food insecurity can affect anyone.”

She said the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.

Those in need of assistance or interested in more information may visit www.nwpafoodbank.org or call the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania’s Food Helpline at (814) 459-3663 extension 117.