Free Gift Cards for Newburgh Families Facing Loss of SNAP

With the possibility looming of Hudson Valley families losing access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program due to the federal government shutdown, towns and cities across the Hudson Valley are responding in different ways.

SNAP is a federal program that was created for low-income families, seniors, and those with disabilities that are unable to work. The benefits, which work like cash, are spent through Electronic Benefits Transfer cards at participating grocery stores.

New York Agencies and Governments Respond to Potential Loss of SNAP

Agencies and governments across New York State are offering different solutions to supplement SNAP benefits in the event that they are paused in November. While New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging community support through food donations (learn how hunters can donate their harvested deer here), the City of Newburgh has taken more direct action.

Read More: How Hudson Valley Hunters Can Donate Their Deer Harvest for Free

The City of Newburgh to Provide Grocery Gift Cards to Vulnerable Families

On Thursday, October 30th, the City of Newburgh announced the reallocation of $100,000 from their Community Development Block Grant, a grant received by Orange County annually for more than 50 years. The current plan, the city shared, is to use the new funds to purchase grocery gift cards.

Orange County, NY Grant Money Reallocated to Supplement SNAP Benefits

"The City has rapidly developed an emergency aid program that reallocates $100,000 of existing federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding", the press release shared (above). "The program will provide $150 local grocery store gift cards to nearly seven hundred City households currently receiving SNAP". They also shared a list of local food pantries (below)