New Tool Aims To Help PA SNAP Recipients Find Volunteer Roles

HARRISBURG, PA — The Department of Human Services has unveiled a new tool to help Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients meet federal work and reporting requirements. SNAP recipients can now use PA Navigate to find volunteer opportunities within their zip code, according to officials.

DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, in an announcement this week, said the new volunteer listings on PA Navigate assist recipients in meeting federal requirements and help community-based organizations fill crucial volunteer roles.

Under new federal rules, certain individuals must work, volunteer, or participate in an education or training program for at least 20 hours per week, or 80 hours per month. They must also report these activities to maintain or become eligible for SNAP benefits. If these requirements are not met, recipients can only receive three months of SNAP benefits over a three-year period.

To find volunteer opportunities, individuals can visit pa-navigate.org, enter their ZIP code, and search for “volunteer opportunity.” A list of local programs will appear, and recipients can contact organizations directly. The organization then completes a Community Service Verification Form to track volunteer hours.

Jodina Hicks, President of Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, confirmed that PA Navigate has been essential for connecting with those seeking support. She said that expanding offerings on PA Navigate to include volunteer opportunities helps people maintain SNAP benefits while providing essential community service.

"We are proud to expand Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania's offerings on PA Navigate to include meaningful volunteer opportunities, helping people maintain SNAP benefits while also providing an essential service to serve our community. As our name implies, volunteers play a pivotal role in our organization. As needs increase, especially food and housing, volunteer time and dedication allow us to be more responsive and effective in delivering critical care to our community," Hicks said.

PA Navigate is a statewide community information network connecting individuals to community organizations. The PA Navigate Consortium includes ClinicalConnect, Central PA Connect, HealthShare Exchange, and KeyHIE. Joshua Muchler, KeyHIE Business Architect, highlighted the platform’s role in assisting Pennsylvanians in need and enabling individuals to contribute to the community through volunteer opportunities. Community-based organizations can list volunteer opportunities at https://www.panavigatehelp.org/.

SNAP recipients with questions about reporting activities can contact their caseworker at a DHS County Assistance Office or call the Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930. More information on work and reporting requirements is available at dhs.pa.gov/work.