People across the country formed long lines for free meals and groceries at food pantries and drive-through giveaways Saturday, after monthly benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for New York on Thursday, days before SNAP benefits and other assistance are set to dry out amid the ongoing, and historic, federal government shutdown.

If the ongoing government shutdown extends into Saturday — and there is every indication that it will — funding will lapse for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as food stamps or SNAP, which helps feed some 42 million lower-income Americans.

NEW YORK, NY- The US state of New York declared a state of emergency ahead of the suspension of federal food aid, a consequence of the ongoing government shutdown.

Adams’ office said that his administration will partner with the New York Community Trust, Partnership for New York City and United Way of New York.

City Council data from 2024 shows about 20% of New York City residents receive SNAP. In the Bronx, more than 40% of people rely on it.

As 1.8 million New York City residents brace for their food assistance to be cut off this Saturday, New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced a multistate lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday over its decision to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government

The coalition of states criticized the USDA for not utilizing $6 billion in contingency funds to sustain SNAP operations during the funding lapse.