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ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- New York State is issuing millions in emergency food assistance for families across the state as federal funding cuts impact residents’ food benefits. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday that the state is issuing an additional $30 million in emergency food aid, bringing the total to $41 million. This announcement follows the $11 million in emergency food aid Hochul announced on Friday. Due to the government shutdown, state officials said nearly 3 million state residents in jeopardy of losing their food assistance before Thanksgiving. Hochul said the $30 million in emergency state funding supports over 16 million meals for those who could lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1. “While I’ve said repeatedly that no state can backfill these devastating cuts, I am committed to ensuring New Yorkers do not go hungry this holiday season and am taking action to support the families suffering the consequences of Republicans' cruelty,” Hochul said. “Republicans in Congress voted to rip health care and vital services from millions of New Yorkers and my administration and the people of New York will continue holding them accountable.” Hochul also addressed the potential 40% increase in health care benefits for elderly New Yorkers as the 2026 enrollment period begins. The governor said residents could also see the loss of other programs, including heat assistance, as winter is inching closer. “As families across New York face crushing health care costs driven by Trump administration policies that only benefit the wealthiest Americans, House Republicans have left Washington on a taxpayer-funded vacation,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. “It’s time for them to get back to work and finally start partnering with Democrats to lower costs for working families.”
