Local Food Pantries React to SNAP Pauses Amidst Government Shutdown

SYRACUSE N.Y. (CITRUSTV NEWS) — Snap benefits in New York are normally distributed within the first nine days of the month, but the ongoing government shutdown has cancelled payments.

Two federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the Trump administration must continue to pay for snap using emergency reserves.

However, the ruling did not specify whether the program needed to be funded in full or only partially, leaving many Americans unsure if they will receive their benefits.

In the state of New York, there are nearly three million snap recipients — about 14.7% of the state’s population. In central New York, 187,000 people rely on snap to feed to their families, 67,000 of those in Onondaga County alone.

Without these benefits being distributed, local pantries are struggling to keep their shelves stocked to support those in need.

“Just keeping meats and proteins in our shelves, that’s where we’re hurting the most right now. Some of our grain items, but certainly just keeping our pantry shelves stacked to be able to meet the needs of the families that are coming in that are very, very scared about what they’re going to do,” said Salvation Army member, Pam Alderman.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a state of emergency and has allocated $95 million to support local food banks, but The Salvation Army is urging anyone who can to donate non-perishable food items to local pantries.

Reporter: Kate Tannenbaum