On January 18, 2011, the Under Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, Kevin Concannon, visited with Benefits Data Trust to assess their progress in assisting older Philadelphians in applying for the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—commonly referred to as food stamps.
It is estimated that over 700,000 seniors, aged 60 and older, are eligible for SNAP in Pennsylvania. Of those eligible, only 34% are enrolled. In September, 2010, the USDA funded Benefits Data Trust and the PA Department of Welfare to assist in increasing this percentage. By increasing awareness of the program, streamlining the SNAP application and fast-tracking the eligibility process, Benefits Data Trust has been able to assist 2,500 low-income seniors to date. It is anticipated that this number will triple within a year.
While this work has an immediate benefit for seniors, it is also of great benefit to the local economy. Studies show that every food stamp dollar spent by a senior creates $1.79 in local economic activity.It is estimated that by enrolling 7,500 seniors into SNAP, over $12.8 Million will be circulated back into the Philadelphia economy.
