CONTACT: Jeremy Saunders, jeremy@vocal-ny.org, 917-676-8041 

Governor Hochul Can – And Should – Fully Fund New York’s SNAP Program

NEW YORK — In response to statements given by Governor Hochul at 10 AM this morning, Hunger Free America, Citizen Action of NY, and VOCAL-NY released the following statement:

“Whiile we agree that the federal government is illegally, immorally and senselessly denying food assistance to 42 million people  including nearly 3 million statewide in New York – including kids, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. The facts don’t support Governor Hochul’s claim that no state can fund SNAP benefits to their residents. And we urge her to use State funds to pay for all or some of November SNAP benefits, just as multiple other states have already done.

Governor Hochul is correct that the top way to end this crisis is for the GOP to compromise to re-open the government by reducing health care premium hikes. She is also correct that the USDA should not withhold SNAP benefits during the shutdown, and that the federal government should reimburse states that fund SNAP benefits during this shutdown. But none of those facts will feed hungry New Yorkers.

Virginia and Delaware have committed to funding SNAP benefits for the entire month of November. New Mexico has committed funding SNAP benefits for the first 10 days, and then they will revisit this situation. 

While we appreciate the Governor’s support for more charitable food, that only addresses a tiny portion of the need. Emergency funds to food pantries will not make its way to the 3 million New Yorkers who receive SNAP. These emergency funds will not make it to groceries, corner stores or bodegas to keep our economy going. Governor Hochul’s approach just won’t work. While every dollar and every meal is important, the Governor should focus her attention to ensuring SNAP benefits are delivered to 3 million New Yorkers.”

BACKGROUND:

Yesterday, over 250 organizations, unions, service providers, churches, and food pantries sent a letter to Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousin, and Speaker Heastie calling on New York State to fully SNAP benefits for New Yorkers.

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