As the federal government shutdown continues with no resolution in sight, nearly 1.8 million New Yorkers who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face the growing risk of losing their food benefits. The funding freeze in Washington has placed immense pressure on state and local agencies scrambling to prevent a full-scale food insecurity emergency.
Officials from New York City’s Department of Social Services have warned that federal funds for SNAP could run out within days if Congress fails to pass a spending bill. The city’s most vulnerable populations — including low-income families, seniors, and single mothers — would be hit hardest.
“The situation is dire,” said Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of families who could suddenly lose the ability to put food on the table. New York’s safety nets are strong, but even they can’t withstand a prolonged shutdown of this scale.”
Food banks across the city are already reporting surging demand. The Food Bank for New York City noted that the number of visitors has jumped by more than 35% since the shutdown began. Volunteers describe lines stretching around the block, as households brace for the possibility of interrupted benefits.
Experts warn that this disruption could have long-term consequences. Many small grocery stores and local markets rely on SNAP transactions, meaning the economic fallout could ripple through entire neighborhoods. “A cut in SNAP isn’t just a loss of aid — it’s a hit to the city’s food economy,” said Dr. Neil Sanders, an economist at Columbia University.
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams have both called on Congress to immediately restore funding. “New Yorkers shouldn’t go hungry because of political gridlock,” Adams said in a statement.
While the city explores short-term emergency funding and partnerships with non-profits, advocates fear the measures won’t be enough. For millions of residents, the question isn’t whether food prices will rise — it’s whether they’ll be able to eat at all if the shutdown drags on.
