How new SNAP restrictions could hit Greater Pittsburgh’s food access and economy

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a crucial tool for combating poverty in the United States. However, new federal rules are making it more difficult for many families to utilize this assistance. In Allegheny County, where Pittsburgh is located, the number of people receiving SNAP benefits has decreased by 12% since 2025, with 17,000 people losing their benefits in the county alone.

This reduction is among the highest in the state, with approximately 162,000 residents receiving SNAP benefits or 14% of the county's population.

New work requirements for SNAP have expanded to include adults aged 18 to 64, requiring them to work, volunteer, or participate in education or training programs for at least 20 hours per week to maintain their benefits. This rule change disproportionately affects groups such as early retirees, first-time mothers, young children, and individuals with disabilities who have not yet applied for or received disability benefits.

These stricter work requirements are likely to increase SNAP benefit denials, particularly among women who may become pregnant, and could push more families toward food pantries.

In addition to work requirements, retailers selling food must now meet specific criteria to accept SNAP benefits. Stores are required to offer seven varieties of foods in each of four staple food categories: grains, vegetables and fruits, dairy, and protein. This regulation could impact smaller stores, particularly convenience stores in rural areas and in the 12th and 17th congressional districts, where 10.4% and 8.7% of people, respectively, live in areas where access to healthy foods is difficult.

Despite an increase in SNAP-authorized stores in Allegheny County between 2017 and 2023, the new regulations may pose challenges for smaller retailers in complying with these requirements, potentially affecting their ability to serve low-income communities.