How to apply for State Food Purchase Program (SFPP)

Who it's for

SFPP is Pennsylvania's own food assistance program. The state gives money to each county to buy food and give it out through food pantries, soup kitchens, food banks and shelters. Any Pennsylvania resident whose household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level can get food, and you show you qualify by filling out a short self-declaration of need form — there is no long application. Households getting unemployment compensation, SNAP, cash assistance or medical assistance qualify too, as do people in a crisis such as a fire. Contact your county food pantry or lead agency to find a distribution site.

What you'll need

• Self-declaration of need form (completed at the distribution site)
• Proof of residence (photo ID)
• Proof of income

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about State Food Purchase Program (SFPP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need self-declaration of need form (completed at the distribution site), proof of residence (photo ID), proof of income — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Call 1-800-468-2433 to find a food distribution site — such as a food pantry, soup kitchen, food bank, or shelter — in your Pennsylvania county.
2. Check that your household qualifies. Your income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level for the current July 1–June 30 period. You automatically qualify if your household receives unemployment compensation, SNAP, cash assistance, or medical assistance, or if you are in a crisis such as a fire. Note: under Act 27 of 2024, veterans' benefit payments are fully excluded from the income count, and that exclusion also applies to an unmarried surviving spouse.
3. Gather your documents before visiting the site: a photo ID showing proof of residence and proof of income.
4. Go to your local distribution site. Hours and food supply vary by county, so call ahead to confirm the schedule.
5. Complete the short self-declaration of need form at the distribution site. There is no long application — this form is how you show you qualify.
6. Receive food assistance at the site on the day of your visit.

What to expect: After you complete the self-declaration of need form at the distribution site, staff will process it and provide food that day. Because food supply and hours vary by county, it is a good idea to call your local pantry or lead agency ahead of time. Eligibility must be renewed annually, so plan to complete a new self-declaration of need each year. Income limits are set for the July 1–June 30 period, so check with your county site each year to confirm the current guidelines.

Renewals

annual