New York City and New Jersey SNAP recipients are bracing for a significant hit as the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will stop making payments on November 1, marking the first time the program has been disrupted since its inception during the Great Depression.
With an estimated $424 million in monthly benefits at stake, the impact is expected to be felt across the state and beyond. According to the Food Bank for New York City, SNAP covers over 95 million meals a month for New Yorkers, more than the organization itself distributes in an entire year.
The pause on SNAP payments will affect recipients who rely on these benefits to make ends meet, particularly those struggling with food insecurity. "No single organization nor the food assistance network can absorb that," said Zac Hall, senior vice president of the Food Bank for New York City. The organization and other food providers are scrambling to prepare for the influx of people expected to visit their facilities.
To mitigate the effects, local governments have launched initiatives to provide support. In New York City, the Department of Social Services has created a network of food pantries and soup kitchens that residents can access. Additionally, mobile delivery services are being offered in some areas, including Citymeals on Wheels and South Asian Council of Social Services.
Meanwhile, DoorDash has announced it will waive delivery and service fees for grocery purchases by SNAP users. However, the long-term effects of this pause remain uncertain, with some calling for contingency funding to be used to keep SNAP funded.
New Jersey officials have also taken steps to support affected residents, including accelerating delivery or previously awarded grants to food banks and announcing plans to provide an additional $15 million in emergency aid.
The impact on families will be significant, as many rely on these benefits to access basic necessities like food. "This is real life," said Christine Quinn, CEO of WIN, the largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for families with children in the city. "Babies won't have formula. Small children won't have breakfast or lunch. Kids who don't go to school, kids who aren't yet in school or day care won't have breakfast or lunch during the week."
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: SNAP recipients need support now more than ever.
With an estimated $424 million in monthly benefits at stake, the impact is expected to be felt across the state and beyond. According to the Food Bank for New York City, SNAP covers over 95 million meals a month for New Yorkers, more than the organization itself distributes in an entire year.
The pause on SNAP payments will affect recipients who rely on these benefits to make ends meet, particularly those struggling with food insecurity. "No single organization nor the food assistance network can absorb that," said Zac Hall, senior vice president of the Food Bank for New York City. The organization and other food providers are scrambling to prepare for the influx of people expected to visit their facilities.
To mitigate the effects, local governments have launched initiatives to provide support. In New York City, the Department of Social Services has created a network of food pantries and soup kitchens that residents can access. Additionally, mobile delivery services are being offered in some areas, including Citymeals on Wheels and South Asian Council of Social Services.
Meanwhile, DoorDash has announced it will waive delivery and service fees for grocery purchases by SNAP users. However, the long-term effects of this pause remain uncertain, with some calling for contingency funding to be used to keep SNAP funded.
New Jersey officials have also taken steps to support affected residents, including accelerating delivery or previously awarded grants to food banks and announcing plans to provide an additional $15 million in emergency aid.
The impact on families will be significant, as many rely on these benefits to access basic necessities like food. "This is real life," said Christine Quinn, CEO of WIN, the largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for families with children in the city. "Babies won't have formula. Small children won't have breakfast or lunch. Kids who don't go to school, kids who aren't yet in school or day care won't have breakfast or lunch during the week."
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: SNAP recipients need support now more than ever.
i mean no single org can absorb all that food, its gonna affect ppl who cant afford 2 buy groceries 4 themselves its like theyre just gonna leave these ppl 2 fend 4 themselves?? i dont get it...
this is super bad news for people relying on SNAP benefits - $424 million monthly benefits are huge 
and now its all gonna stop? that's like taking away a lifeline from ppl struggling to put food on the table 
its not just about the money, its about being able to access basic necessities for their kids 
local governments are trying to step in but its not enough 
door dash is waiving fees for grocery purchases which is nice but its just a Band-Aid solution 
what we really need is contingency funding to keep SNAP funded 
oh man, this is like a nightmare come true for so many families 
. I mean, we're talking about people who are already struggling to make ends meet and then BAM! their monthly benefits just get cut off 
.
. I'm glad some organizations are stepping up to provide support, like DoorDash waiving fees for grocery purchases and local governments launching food pantries and mobile delivery services 
.
. We need contingency funding to keep SNAP funded so these families can continue to access basic necessities without worrying about where their next meal is coming from 
. It's not just about the money, it's about human dignity and making sure everyone has access to food, no matter what 
.
... theyre already strugglin to make ends meet, and food insecurity is a real thing 
... no way the food bank or local gov can handle that kind of influx 
424 million monthly benefits? That's like a whole lotta food 
on the table! And with over 95 million meals being covered each month, it's insane how much of an impact this will have on people's lives 
). It's about dignity and respect for people who are already strugglin' to get by 
We need to make sure we're supportin' our most vulnerable neighbors, 'specially those with kids 
. This is real life, fam 
This news is super concerning, you know? I mean, $424 million is a huge amount of money and it's gonna hit a lot of people hard. The fact that these families are already struggling with food insecurity and now they're gonna have to navigate not getting their monthly benefits is just not fair. 
It's gonna be tough for the food banks and soup kitchens to take on the extra load, but at least some local governments are stepping up to help.
. But seriously, we need more than just temporary fixes here. We need some long-term solutions to keep these families supported. Maybe some kind of contingency funding or emergency aid? 
this is crazy, can you imagine having to choose between paying for food and bills? 
we need to support these people, not just talk about it. maybe some ppl should donate or volunteer at food banks instead of just complaining 
. I mean, $424 million monthly benefits? That's life-changing for so many people 
. We need to make sure they have access to basic necessities like groceries, formula, and breakfast/lunch for their kids 
. I'm all for DoorDash waiving fees, but it's just a Band-Aid solution 
. We should be investing in long-term solutions, like contingency funding or targeted grants 
#SNAPSupport #FoodInsecurityMatters #HelpOurNeighbors
. I mean, can you believe they're cutting off 424 million bucks from people who are already struggling? It's like, what even is the point of having a safety net if you're just gonna take it away?! 
.
they cant afford food and shelter and dont no what's gonna happen next 
its not right 
lets raise our voice 4 them & make sure we do everythn we can 2 help 
will people have to choose between food and rent? 
door dash trying to help by waiving fees but it's not the same as actual cash 
. goverment should be ashamed of themselves 
... like what's up with the pause on SNAP payments? $424 million is a lot of money 
The fact that local governments and private companies are stepping in to provide support is amazing, but it shouldn't have to be like this in the first place.
. We need to do better, stat!
Local govts and orgs are doing their part, but more needs to be done 
Let's get creative and make a difference! #SNAPmatters #FoodInsecurity #SupportOurNeighborhoods