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Approximately 100,000 people in Central New York are at risk of losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Starting Saturday (November 1), benefits will not be paid out, affecting many households in Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, and Madison counties. In Onondaga County alone, one in five households depends on SNAP for grocery expenses, accounting for $22 million monthly.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, announced on its website that benefits will not be issued due to the shutdown. The USDA issues $8 billion monthly in grocery money nationwide, with $642 million distributed across New York state. According to Syracuse.com, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon stated that the county lacks the funds to subsidize SNAP.
Governor Kathy Hochul pledged $41 million to support emergency food programs across the state, which amounts to about two days of New York's SNAP budget. Additionally, the Food Bank of Central New York has increased its food purchases by 20% to help local pantries prepare for the increased demand.
While applications for SNAP are still being accepted, and benefits are being provided, if the shutdown continues into November, benefits could be delayed, as noted by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Residents who rely on SNAP are encouraged to use food banks and other emergency food programs during this period.
Governor Hochul announced that $30 million in state funds will be fast-tracked to support over 16 million meals in response to the potential pause of SNAP benefits. New Yorkers using SNAP will be notified of any updates regarding their November benefits by Saturday (November 1), according to Yahoo News.