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Governor Allocates $65 Million In State Funds For Emergency Food Assistance Programs; New York Sues Federal Government To Release Federal Funding
By David Carlucci
Starting November 1, nearly 3 million New Yorkers stand to lose crucial food assistance as the federal government continues to withhold emergency SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funds during the ongoing government shutdown. In a decisive response, Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency and implemented measures to ensure that no New Yorker faces hunger in this critical situation.
What Triggered This Crisis?
The Trump administration is holding back billions of dollars in federally approved contingency funds for SNAP, funds that states rely on to provide essential monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families. New York administers approximately $650 million in SNAP benefits each month, supporting nearly 3 million residents. Since this program is federally funded, states cannot simply compensate for the loss of federal support.
What Is Governor Hochul Doing?
In recognition of the urgent threat to food security, Governor Hochul has taken bold action by declaring a state of emergency, unlocking new powers and resources to respond effectively. She has allocated $65 million in state funds for emergency food assistance programs, which will bolster food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens across the state, on top of a previously fast-tracked $41 million. This combined investment of $106 million will deliver approximately 40 million meals to those in need.
How Will These State Funds Work?
The funding is directed toward two primary programs:
- Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP): A $40 million allocation that empowers around 2,700 emergency food providers, such as pantries and shelters, to deliver emergency meals and nutrition services to food-insecure New Yorkers.
- Nourish NY Program: With a $25 million investment, Nourish NY facilitates the direct transfer of surplus agricultural products—including milk, cheese, fruits, and vegetables—from local farms to food relief organizations, simultaneously supporting New York farmers by enhancing market opportunities amid the crisis.
What Other State Actions Are Being Taken?
The Governor’s administration is mobilizing SUNY Empire State Service Corps members and SUNY students to assist food banks and pantries, effectively addressing increased demand and staffing shortages.
New short-term crisis response positions are being created to strengthen staffing at key food distribution points.
The creation of emergency food hubs at schools is under consideration as additional resource centers for local communities.
Can State Funding Fully Replace SNAP Benefits?
No. SNAP has always been federally funded, and no state can entirely backfill a program of such scale and necessity. However, the state’s emergency funding acts as a vital bridge during this federal funding gap, aimed at reducing hunger even though it cannot fully replace the SNAP benefits relied upon by millions.
What Else Is Happening?
- New York, along with 24 other states, has initiated a lawsuit demanding the release of emergency SNAP funds from the federal government.
- Governor Hochul and fellow governors have sent a firm letter urging the Trump administration to reverse its current stance.
- Local officials and advocates are emphasizing the health implications of food insecurity, especially for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
This state emergency response marks an extraordinary financial commitment and coordinated effort to tackle a growing public health and hunger crisis caused by the federal budget deadlock. It underscores the essential need for effective federal-state collaboration in social safety net programs—without which millions would confront significant hardship and uncertainty.
David Carlucci consults organizations on navigating government and securing funding. He served for ten years in the New York Senate.
County Urges Monetary Donations to Food Pantries, Launching Countywide Food Drive
In light of the ongoing federal shutdown expected to cause a lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1st, the County of Rockland, and the Towns of Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, Ramapo and Stony Point are issuing an urgent call to residents who are able to make a monetary donation to local food pantries.
With approximately 19,000 households, comprised of 54,562 children and adults, relying on SNAP benefits, pantries are expecting a wave of need if benefits lapse in November. All donations, money and food, will be provided to Rockland Community Against Hunger, that represents 40+ pantries, which will sort and distribute the resources to pantries with the largest impact from SNAP cuts.
According to the Regional Food Bank, every $1 donated to a local food pantry enables them to purchase $8 to $10 worth of food/4 meals from the Regional Food Bank because of their access to donated or discounted food.
To make a monetary donation click here.
Rockland Community Against Hunger steering committee
will determine how donations are distributed within Rockland based on need & impact.
As food pantries and non-profits prepare for a sharp increase in families seeking assistance, volunteers will also be needed to help sort food donations, prepare packages, assist with distribution, help transport goods, and more.
Sign up to volunteer here.
In addition to urging monetary donations, the County of Rockland is launching a Countywide Food Drive in partnership with all five towns to support SNAP recipients and others facing food insecurity.
Donation bins will be available at the following locations:
- Robert L. Yeager Health Center Building A Lobby 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona
- Allison-Parris County Office Building 11 New Hempstead Rd., New City
- Town of Clarkstown Town Hall 10 Maple Ave., New City
- Town of Haverstraw Town Hall 1 Rosman Road, Garnerville
- Town of Orangetown Town Hall 26 W. Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg
- Town of Ramapo Town Hall 237 Route 59, Suffern/Airmont
- Town of Stony Point Town Hall 74 East Main Street, Stony Point
A list of what items should be donated can be found here.
