Pennsylvanians can now apply for food assistance via phone, state officials said Tuesday.

Applications to the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are now taken on 1-866-550-4355, in addition to the established methods of mailing in a paper form or going online. The state has seen an uptick in applications as the covid-19 pandemic has worn on, said Teresa Miller, secretary of the state’s Department of Human Services.

“This new service is designed to provide all applicants, but especially those without access to a computer or internet service, with a quick and easy way to submit applications for SNAP,” Miller said in a statement. “We hope this change will make SNAP more accessible to individuals and households most affected by the digital divide.”

In 2018, about 20% of rural Pennsylvania households and 16% of urban households did not have internet access, according to the U.S. Census.

Callers will be asked to supply all the same information as they would on a paper or online form, which can be found at compass.state.pa.us.

Applicants can still submit an application online or mail in a paper application.

Miller said statewide enrollment in SNAP has increased by just under 5% since the pandemic began – about 82,270 more Pennsylvanians enrolled in the program in January 2021 than in February 2020. Total enrollment is about 1.82 million.

The state Department of Agriculture noted that food banks across the state have reported a large jump in need in their communities – an average 65% increase in demand.

In addition to mailing a form, calling in or using an online form, applicants can use the COMPASS mobile app to update their files, as some county assistance offices remain closed because of the pandemic. All of the state’s assistance options can be found online at compass.state.pa.us.

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