New York City and New Jersey SNAP recipients face an impending cutoff on November 1, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it will stop making payments. The pause could leave thousands without access to crucial food assistance.
The impact is likely to be significant, with many families relying on monthly benefits to get by. According to state comptroller data, New York City receives approximately $424 million in SNAP benefits every month – an average of about $187 per recipient. This funding supports around 95 million meals a month for low-income residents.
While some recipients may have funds left over from previous months, those who don't will face uncertainty and added stress. Food banks and pantries are bracing for the influx as demand is expected to surge. Organizations such as the Food Bank of New York City and City Harvest are purchasing more food and soliciting donations in anticipation.
"We're already seeing people trying to stock up on food, expecting the end of benefits," said Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest. "Families will dispatch older children to different neighborhoods to gather what they need. It's like another job for families to piece together everything."
In New Jersey, the Community Food Bank has seen a similar surge in demand over the past two weeks, with 10% more people visiting their locations. Elizabeth McCarthy, president and CEO of the organization, notes that anxiety is high among those anticipating the cutoff.
The pause also highlights existing vulnerabilities within food assistance systems. Christine Quinn, CEO of WIN, emphasized the importance of gift cards to help families access groceries: "Babies won't have formula, small children won't have breakfast or lunch... This is real life."
New York City and New Jersey are taking steps to address this crisis, including allocating funds for emergency food distribution and waiving delivery fees. Meanwhile, organizations like DoorDash and United Way of New York City are mobilizing public support.
A group of attorneys general has even asked courts to intervene, citing concerns over the use of contingency funding to keep SNAP recipients afloat. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear – families will need immediate assistance as November's cutoff approaches.
For those facing hardship, there are resources available. New Yorkers can donate to local food pantries or organizations like Food Bank of NYC and City Harvest. Meanwhile, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey provides maps of distribution locations, which will be updated with new events.
The impact is likely to be significant, with many families relying on monthly benefits to get by. According to state comptroller data, New York City receives approximately $424 million in SNAP benefits every month – an average of about $187 per recipient. This funding supports around 95 million meals a month for low-income residents.
While some recipients may have funds left over from previous months, those who don't will face uncertainty and added stress. Food banks and pantries are bracing for the influx as demand is expected to surge. Organizations such as the Food Bank of New York City and City Harvest are purchasing more food and soliciting donations in anticipation.
"We're already seeing people trying to stock up on food, expecting the end of benefits," said Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest. "Families will dispatch older children to different neighborhoods to gather what they need. It's like another job for families to piece together everything."
In New Jersey, the Community Food Bank has seen a similar surge in demand over the past two weeks, with 10% more people visiting their locations. Elizabeth McCarthy, president and CEO of the organization, notes that anxiety is high among those anticipating the cutoff.
The pause also highlights existing vulnerabilities within food assistance systems. Christine Quinn, CEO of WIN, emphasized the importance of gift cards to help families access groceries: "Babies won't have formula, small children won't have breakfast or lunch... This is real life."
New York City and New Jersey are taking steps to address this crisis, including allocating funds for emergency food distribution and waiving delivery fees. Meanwhile, organizations like DoorDash and United Way of New York City are mobilizing public support.
A group of attorneys general has even asked courts to intervene, citing concerns over the use of contingency funding to keep SNAP recipients afloat. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear – families will need immediate assistance as November's cutoff approaches.
For those facing hardship, there are resources available. New Yorkers can donate to local food pantries or organizations like Food Bank of NYC and City Harvest. Meanwhile, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey provides maps of distribution locations, which will be updated with new events.
they get to enjoy a whole month without free food 
and i'm sure the anxiety won't kill anyone 
at least there's a silver lining... or 95 million meals of ramen noodles 
for all those families who will have to scramble to find food. btw, it's not like they can just work more hours or something...
this is a huge problem and i just hope ppl are prepared cuz thousands will struggle 2 get food 
the us gov should do more to prevent this cutoff from happening in the first place 
but at least some orgs r stepping up & providing emergency assistance 
door dash & united way r mobilizing public support, thats a great start 
however, we need more long-term solutions 2 address these food insecurity issues 
this is soooo bad news 
for ppl who really need help feeding their fams 
SNAP recipients are gonna be left high & dry 
on Nov 1st 
no more $$$ to buy food 
️ or NJ 
there are thousands of ppl counting on this 
they'll be scrambling 2 get food 4 their fams 
some ppl might try 2 stock up 1st 
but what if u can't afford it? 
but they need more $$$ 
this is so worrying for families who rely on snap benefits - $187 per recipient might not go as far as you think 
It's not just about the money, it's about the stress and uncertainty that comes with it. Food banks and pantries are doing their best but it's clear we need a more sustainable solution here 
. I hope the attorneys general can find a way to intervene and help these families out.
.
. I just hope people come together and support these families, 'cause it's gonna be tough without SNAP benefits for a while.