Hochul says 3 million New Yorkers at risk of losing SNAP benefits next week
Hochul says this could impact over 149,000 people in congressional districts 16 and 17 starting Nov. 1.
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Nearly three million New Yorkers who get food assistance through SNAP are at risk of losing their benefits next week if the government continues to be shutdown.
That's according to Gov. Kathy Hochul who says the USDA, under the Trump administration, directed states to hold off on sending benefits because of insufficient funds.
The warning concerns Feeding Westchester's Chief Operating Officer, Tami Wilson.
"It's alarming to us, but it's been alarming. We've been anticipating this given the government shutdown, but there's also a multitude of compacted issues," Wilson says.
Hochul says this could impact over 149,000 people in congressional districts 16 and 17 starting Nov. 1.
Wilson says this time comes right before the holidays.
"We are definitely bracing ourselves for the high demand. Our supply is low. Demand is increasing, but we're still going to show up for our neighbors," Wilson says.
While Wilson reiterated her commitment to the community, Hochul says she is calling on Washington Republicans to release the funding.
Republican Assemblyman Matt Slater responded to the governor's claims.
"Every day, the Sen. Schumer shutdown continues, more New Yorkers suffer," he said.
Slater added that he is also working with Republican Rep. Mike Lawler to reinstate New York's waiver with the USDA.
