New York Governor Kathy Hochul visits Common Pantry in anticipation of the looming cut-off of SNAP benefits. | Photo by Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
NEW YORK — As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, millions of Americans face the prospect of losing access to food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) refusing to release $5 billion in contingency funds, several states—including New York, Connecticut, Louisiana, and California—are taking emergency action to prevent hunger and economic fallout.
In a historic move, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on October 28, authorizing $30 million in emergency food aid and later committing an additional $65 million to bolster food banks and community pantries across the state.
“We will not let bureaucracy starve our neighbors,” Hochul said in a press briefing. “New York is stepping up to ensure families can put food on the table, even as Washington fails to act.”
The funding will support programs like Nourish New York, which connects surplus farm goods to food banks and aims to provide at least 40 million meals statewide. The governor’s office also confirmed that New York joined 24 other states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit against the USDA, demanding the release of contingency funds to continue SNAP payments.
Connecticut followed suit, earmarking $3 million in emergency food assistance and joining the multi-state lawsuit. Attorney General William Tong emphasized the urgency: “This is not a political game—it’s about survival. The USDA has a legal and moral obligation to use its contingency funds to prevent hunger.”
According to Connecticut’s Department of Social Services, over 360,000 residents rely on SNAP benefits, and many could face food insecurity within days if federal support remains frozen.
The USDA’s refusal marks a stark departure from past shutdown protocols. In previous government shutdowns, the agency used its contingency fund to continue SNAP payments. This time, USDA officials argue that current legal interpretations prohibit such action—a claim that state attorneys general are challenging in court.
“This is the first time in SNAP’s 60-year history that benefits may be suspended due to a shutdown,” said Diane Schanzenbach, director of the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University. “The consequences will be immediate and devastating.”
Other states are also mobilizing resources: Louisiana authorized $150 million in state funding to cover nearly all SNAP recipients through November; New Mexico committed $30 million in emergency food aid distributed via EBT cards; California fast-tracked $80 million to food banks and deployed National Guard units to assist with logistics and distribution; and, Colorado requested $10 million for food banks and extended funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom warned that food banks are already seeing record-breaking demand. “We’re witnessing lines that stretch for blocks. This is not just a crisis—it’s a moral test,” he said.
The multi-state lawsuit, filed in federal court in Boston, argues that the USDA’s interpretation of its legal authority is flawed and that the agency is obligated to use its contingency funds to maintain SNAP operations during a shutdown. A ruling is expected within days.
Meanwhile, food banks across the country are bracing for impact. Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, estimates that demand could surge by 40% if SNAP benefits are suspended.
“We’re preparing for the worst,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “But no amount of preparation can replace the scale and efficiency of SNAP. It’s the backbone of food security in this country.”
In New York City, local organizations like City Harvest and the Food Bank for New York City are ramping up operations. “We’re grateful for the state’s support,” said Leslie Gordon, president of Food Bank NYC. “But we need federal action. Emergency aid is a stopgap—not a solution.”
The crisis also highlights broader concerns about food justice and economic inequality. Advocates warn that low-income families, seniors, and children will be disproportionately affected.
“This shutdown is exposing the fragility of our safety net,” said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America. “It’s time for Congress and the USDA to stop playing politics with people’s lives.”
As the legal battle unfolds, state leaders are urging residents to stay informed and seek assistance through local food programs. In New York, the state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has launched a hotline and website to connect families with resources.
For a civic advocate in Brooklyn, the crisis hits close to home. “Many in our community rely on SNAP, especially seniors and recent immigrants. This is not just a policy issue—it’s a human one.”
With November 1 looming, the question remains: Will federal officials act in time to prevent a nationwide hunger emergency, or will states be left to shoulder the burden alone?
