#USA #New York #SNAP Program #Food Bank For NYC #TEFAP

Food Bank For NYC's Call to Action

The Food Bank For New York City, as the largest hunger relief organization in NYC, is sounding the alarm on looming changes to food assistance programs. Leslie Gordon, President and CEO of Food Bank For NYC, is urging Congress to take immediate action to protect the access to food for millions of vulnerable New Yorkers. They propose postponing a federal requirement that shifts some costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to the states for a minimum of two years and fully funding the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

The Pressing Issue of SNAP Changes

On October 1, New York State will begin to bear an increased portion of the SNAP administrative costs due to recent changes enacted in the federal budget under the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBA). These changes mark the first time in SNAP's history that states will be responsible for funding a portion of costs. The anticipated annual cost increase is around $168 million for New York State alone, and an additional $110 million for New York City, potentially leading to severe financial strain on local budgets.

Gordon pointed out the implications of these changes: "The SNAP program is crucial for families to afford nutritious food, while TEFAP helps keep food banks, including ours, adequately stocked. Weakening one program while cutting funding for the other jeopardizes the food security of millions of New Yorkers."

Potential Impacts of These Policy Shifts

If Congress does not intervene, the state of New York could face more than $1.1 billion in new annual expenses related to SNAP by 2027, with an estimated $700 million impact on New York City. Food Bank For NYC warns that these new financial burdens could compromise existing food assistance programs and increase pressure on food banks and soup kitchens that are already stretched thin.

According to the new regulations, states that report higher rates of payment errors in the SNAP program are mandated to pay a share of the benefits' costs starting in Fall 2027. However, these error rates do not necessarily indicate fraud but often reflect inefficiencies in administrative processes, especially during large-scale requests and renewals.

Despite New York's efforts in reducing its error rates, it still faces the highest participation cost changes mandated by the new law. Therefore, it does not qualify for the two-year moratorium other states may benefit from due to its progress in lowering errors.

The Role of Food Bank For NYC

Nearly 1.7 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP benefits for their food security. When families face reductions in these benefits or lose access altogether, they often turn to organizations such as Food Bank For NYC for assistance. The TEFAP program becomes increasingly vital at such times, providing food banks and pantries with essential supplies to meet community needs.

Food Bank For NYC is the only TEFAP provider in New York City, and it ranks as the largest distributor of TEFAP on a national level. This program delivers millions of pounds of food to hundreds of food banks and soup kitchens across all five boroughs, many of which are already serving unprecedented numbers of people in need.

A Call for Congressional Action

Food Bank For NYC is thereby advocating for Congress to act promptly—postponing the state cost-sharing requirement for SNAP for two years and securing full funding for TEFAP is essential for ensuring food access as states prepare to implement these new laws.

To learn more about how to support SNAP and strengthen TEFAP, as well as to sign their petition, visit FoodBankNYC.org/hunger-action-month.

About Food Bank For NYC

With a mission to empower all New Yorkers toward sustainable food security, Food Bank For NYC harnesses the collective power of its network of food providers, partners, and volunteers to mobilize resources, support, and knowledge across the five boroughs. Collaborating with over 800 soup kitchens, food pantries, and college partners allows them to provide immediate and reliable food access while their economic empowerment programs equip individuals with the tools necessary to improve financial well-being. Together, community by community, they aspire to foster a more hopeful, dignified, and equitable future for all.

For more details about their impact or to collaborate, visit foodbanknyc.org.