503.1 Operation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Revised End of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Theft Reimbursement Process PFS-21992-503 (Revised December 30, 2024, Issued December 16, 2024)

 Revised Expungement of SUN Bucks Benefits and When to Reissue PFS-22001-503 (Revised December 15, 2025; December 12, 2024) 

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 authorized the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help low-income households get the food they need to prevent hunger and malnutrition.

SNAP is designed to promote the general welfare and to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation's population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households.

7 CFR § 271.1(a)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) work together to operate the SNAP.

503.11 The Role of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers SNAP on behalf of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

7 CFR § 271.3

7 CFR § 275.3

FNS manages the following types of service providers who take part in SNAP:

FNS also sets the rules for the online Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, which authorizes benefits at checkout counters in retail food stores.   

7 CFR § 274.12 (a)

FNS conducts studies of program results and supplies information about nutrition and the Women’s, Infants’ and Children’s Program (WIC).

503.12 The Role of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS)

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS):  

7 CFR § 271.4
7 CFR § 271.6
7 CFR § 272.2(b)
7 CFR § 272.3
7 CFR § 272.4
7 CFR § 272.5
7 CFR § 272.6
7 CFR § 275.2

 

Updated March 11, 2026, replacing March 1, 2012