The Best Options for Hudson Valley Families Losing SNAP Benefits

Since the federal government shutdown, many Hudson Valley families have been concerned with losing benefits they receive from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SNAP, which is funded federally, allows qualifying adults and families to purchase groceries with an Electronic Benefit Transfer card at participating grocery stores. With funding of the program in doubt, many local governments (and local businesses) have announced plans to help bridge the gap.

City of Newburgh Commits $100,000 to Supplement SNAP Benefits

In the City of Newburgh in Orange County, NY, government officials announced the reallocation of $100,000 in grant money to purchase grocery store gift cards for nearly 700 residents facing a loss of their SNAP benefits. In Ulster County, that number was even higher.

Ulster County Government Allocates $350,000 for Local Food Pantries

On October 31st, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announced a plan to send $350,000 in funding to three on the county's largest food banks including People's Place, Family of Woodstock, and the Rondout Valley Food Pantry (learn how to help local food banks here). Local businesses are pitching in to help as well.

Ulster County Bakery Offers Free Bread to Local Families

Brooklyn Sour, an Ulster County-based bakery in Marbletown, NY took to social media to announce their own plan to help, offering bread to families in the local community. "To all our neighbors in the Kingston, NY area - have you lost your SNAP benefits?", began the caption (below). "DM me — we’ll do our best to provide you with at least one fresh loaf of bread a week". Dutchess County shared a recent plan as well.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brooklyn Sour (@brooklyn_sour)

Dutchess County Government Pledges up to $1.5 Million to Local Food Pantries

In a recent announcement, the Dutchess County government committed $150,000 per week for up to ten weeks to assist local food pantries for a potential total of $1.5 million. More information on SNAP in New York State can be found here.