HARRISBURG, PA — As new federal rules tighten work and reporting requirements for food assistance, Pennsylvania officials have rolled out a new tool designed to help certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients keep their benefits by connecting them directly with volunteer opportunities in their communities.
The Department of Human Services announced that SNAP recipients can now use PA Navigate, a statewide resource platform, to search for volunteer opportunities by ZIP code. The move comes as federal rules require certain SNAP recipients to work, volunteer, or participate in education or training programs for at least 20 hours per week, or 80 hours per month, and to formally report that activity to remain eligible.
“DHS is committed to doing everything we can to connect Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP with tools and information to help them keep their benefits and feed themselves and their families,” DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said. She said adding volunteer listings to PA Navigate helps recipients comply with federal requirements while also supporting community organizations that rely on volunteers to serve local needs.
Under the new federal standards, individuals who fail to meet the work and reporting requirements can receive SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period. Those who lose benefits may reapply if they later meet work, training, education, or volunteering requirements, or qualify for an exemption.
State officials said the changes were prompted by federal legislation passed in July 2025, which expanded work requirements and increased reporting obligations for states. In response, the Shapiro Administration moved to adapt existing tools and develop new resources to reduce the risk of food assistance disruptions for eligible residents.
PA Navigate’s new volunteer search function is intended to bridge two needs at once: helping SNAP recipients meet compliance rules while connecting nonprofits and community-based organizations with people willing to serve. Recipients can visit pa-navigate.org, enter their ZIP code, search for “volunteer opportunity,” and contact participating organizations directly. Volunteer hours are tracked using a Community Service Verification Form completed by the host organization.
The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, which serves as the community engagement partner for PA Navigate, said the platform is becoming a critical connector between residents and essential services. Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania also said the expanded listings will help individuals maintain SNAP benefits while supporting food, housing, and other community programs.
PA Navigate is operated by a consortium of Pennsylvania health information exchanges and is designed to connect individuals with health and social services while keeping care teams informed.
The volunteer tool is part of a broader effort by the Shapiro Administration to combat food insecurity. The governor’s 2025–26 budget includes an $11 million increase for food security initiatives, including new funding for food banks, the State Food Purchase Program, the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, and a new Food Bucks program to supplement SNAP benefits.
Community-based organizations interested in listing volunteer opportunities can visit https://www.panavigatehelp.org/. SNAP recipients with questions about reporting work, education, training, or volunteer activities can contact their County Assistance Office or call 877-395-8930, or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia. More information about work and reporting requirements is available at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/work.
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