On Thursday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and announced new actions in response to the Trump administration stripping food assistance (SNAP / EBT Food Stamps) from about 3 million New Yorkers come November 1.
As the federal government shutdown continues, the Trump administration has refused to release billions in statutorily approved federal contingency funding.
Hochul committed an additional $65 million in new State funds for emergency food assistance to reinforce New York’s food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters and provide about 40 million meals.
The Governor is also deploying Empire State Service Corps and SUNY Corps Members to support local food banks.
“The Trump Administration is cutting food assistance off for three million New Yorkers, leaving our state to face an unprecedented public health crisis and hurting our grocers, bodegas and farmers along the way,” Governor Hochul said.
Since the inception of the program, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits have been federally funded. New York administers approximately $650 million per month in federally funded SNAP benefits to nearly 3 million New Yorkers.
Hochul and other governors have emphasized that no state government can completely replace SNAP benefits.
In New York State, approximately 2.93 to 3 million people received SNAP benefits in Fiscal Year 2024, representing about 14.7% of the state’s population.
The breakdown of recipients shows that children, non-elderly adults, and the elderly and disabled make up the largest groups.
The average monthly benefit was around $190.59 per person nationally, and household benefits can vary based on factors such as household size, income, and expenses.
UPDATE: Late Friday, the Associated Press reported:
“Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown.
“The judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island gave the administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or in full for November.”
As of Saturday morning, there is no indication the regime would abide by the rulings.
New York Almanack is reporting on the Trump regime’s impacts, particularly in New York State, but we can’t do it without your help. Please support this work.
Are there links to places where donations of food and what kinds of food and supplies can be donated?