Nearly three million New Yorkers - including more than 160,000 on Long Island - could lose access to food assistance starting next month as the Trump administration directs states to halt the distribution of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown, according to state officials.
The directive, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), warned that if the federal funding lapse continues, "there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation." States were told to "delay transmission to State EBT vendors until further notice," signaling an unprecedented pause in monthly food aid relied upon by millions of low-income households.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the decision, accusing "Washington Republicans" of "playing political games" with a lifeline program that millions depend on. "I'm outraged that Washington Republicans are deliberately withholding federal funding from millions of New Yorkers who rely on SNAP to put food on the table," Hochul said in a statement. "This is a cruel, senseless and politically motivated punishment inflicted by the Trump Administration that they have the power to avoid."
Hochul said the state cannot use its own funds to replace the halted federal aid. "Lives depend on this, and Washington Republicans need to stop playing games," she said, calling on federal leaders to release funds "right now and let states get this money to families to ensure they don't go hungry."
Barbara C. Guinn, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, described the situation as "unprecedented" and warned that "to permit monthly benefits to halt would be unprecedented and have an immediate and devastating impact on the 40 million Americans and nearly 3 million New Yorkers who depend on the program to put food on their table."
According to state figures, New York's July SNAP distribution totaled $642 million, typically issued during the first week of each month. Recipients in districts across the state - from 272,857 people in the Bronx's 15th congressional district to 83,704 in Long Island's 2nd district - could see benefits disrupted if the shutdown continues into November.
The federal funding freeze also comes as counties scramble to implement a separate Trump administration rule change that accelerates new work requirements for SNAP recipients. The policy, initially slated for March, will now take effect in early November, requiring participants to work, study, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month or risk losing benefits. Local officials warn that the abrupt timeline leaves them understaffed and unprepared to verify compliance.
Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) placed blame on Senate Democrats, saying, "While Senator Schumer cynically said that 'every day gets better for us,' his shutdown is making every day worse for New Yorkers." State data shows more than 83,000 SNAP recipients live in Garbarino's district.
The government shutdown - now in its 16th day - is set to become the second-longest in U.S. history.
