Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency as Millions Risk Losing Food Assistance

By Y.M. Lowy

Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency as New York faces a major food crisis starting November 1, when federal aid is set to be cut off for nearly three million residents.

This comes after the Trump administration refused to release billions in federal funds that normally help states continue providing food benefits during government shutdowns. With Washington gridlocked, Hochul says New York is stepping up on its own.

The Governor announced $65 million in new state funding to support food banks and pantries across the state which is expected to provide roughly 40 million meals to struggling families.

Local food assistance programs are already seeing increased demand, and many worry the situation will only get worse once federal SNAP benefits, which provide about $650 million in food aid each month, are cut off.