Photo: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Local leaders and advocates in Scotia are calling for urgent action to address delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Trump administration announced that it will use $4.65 billion from an emergency fund to cover about half of the normal benefits for November, but this partial funding could lead to further delays if the shutdown continues.
In Schenectady County, approximately 21,000 people, including 22% of children, rely on SNAP benefits. On Monday (November 3), emergency food providers, farmers, and elected officials gathered to demand immediate relief and ensure continued access to food assistance. Natasha Pernicka from the Food Pantries for the Capital District emphasized the widespread impact, stating, "Food is not a luxury. We have never experienced a single crisis that impacts 42 million Americans" (News10).
More than 30 New York state lawmakers have signed a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, urging the state to fully fund SNAP benefits and seek federal reimbursement. Similar actions have been taken by Virginia, Louisiana, Vermont, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Guam.
Local advocates like Justin Cook, co-founder of Fresh Table Community Pantry, stressed the urgency of restoring SNAP benefits. "SNAP benefits must be restored as soon as possible," he said (WNYT). The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, plans to use the emergency fund to provide partial benefits, but the relief is temporary, and delays could persist.
Governor Hochul has announced an additional $65 million in state funding to support food banks across New York, but the need for further action remains critical as local food pantries experience increased demand.