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What is happening with SNAP benefits?  

• The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is informing impacted state and local organizations there may be a delay with November SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. 
• If you have SNAP benefits on your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card from previous months, you will still be able to use those benefits.   
• Applications for SNAP will continue to be accepted.  Households approved after November 1 may not receive benefits until the federal shutdown ends.  Current SNAP households should continue to complete all requirements including recertifications, periodic reports, and reporting changes to remain eligible for benefits.  

Where can I get help if I am impacted? 

There are resources available locally to help support people impacted by the delay in SNAP. 

NATIONWIDE

• Visit 211.org or Feeding America to find food programs and benefits near you. 

NEW YORK STATE 

• Central New York region: Use the Food Bank of CNY’s Food Finder for pantries near you.  They also have the Food$en$e program – a monthly food coop that helps people stretch their grocery budget with boxes of 12-15 items at a discounted price.  Food Pantry lists & resources: Cayuga County, Chenango County, Cortland County, Madison County, Onondaga County, Oswego County, Tioga County, Tompkins County

• Syracuse & Rochester: Jeff Knauss & Family are providing $150 gift cards to Wegmans on a first-come, first-served basis.  Apply online: SNAP Application — Jeff Knauss.  Applications are currently closed; please check the website for updates.  

• Finger Lakes region & Rochester:  Foodlink serves as the area’s food bank that can connect you to local pantries.  Food Pantry lists & resouces: Monroe County, Ontario County, Wayne County

• Hudson Valley Region: The Regional Food Bank of Hudson Valley serves as a regional resource for Hudson Valley.  Food Pantry lists & resources: Dutchess County, Ulster County, and Orange County.

• Long Island: The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank of Long Island Cares serves Nassau and Suffolk counties with food resources and information. Food Pantry lists & resources: Nassau County; Suffolk County. 

• Western NY & Buffalo:  Feed More WNY supports community members in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties and also has a mobile food pantry.  Here are lists of food pantries for Erie County, Cattaraugus County, and Chautauqua County.

TEXAS 

• Corpus Christi, TX / Nueces County: Coastal Bend Food Bank can help you connect with local resources in your area. Here is a list of food pantries in Nueces County.

INDIANA 

• Northwest Indiana: The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana provides support for families in Dyer and Portage who need assistance with food and groceries.  Food Pantry lists & resources: Lake County, Porter County

 How can I help? 

• Check in with people who may be impacted by the delay in SNAP benefits and help them access resources.

• Donate items to your local food pantry to support people in need.

• Consider making a monetary donation to a local food pantry so they can make much needed purchases.

• Tell your legislators how this is impacting our community.  You can find your congressman and your senator online and contact them through their website.

• Give your time to a food bank and help them provide groceries and meals to families in need.