NYC nonprofits brace for impact as SNAP benefits face shutdown

GREENWICH VILLAGE, Manhattan (PIX11) — New York City nonprofit organizations are gearing up to try to meet the anticipated need if SNAP benefits end on Nov. 1.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it will stop issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at the start of the month due to a lack of federal funding during the ongoing government shutdown.

Ken Baker, the culinary director of RETHINK FOOD in Greenwich Village, said they already prepare 30,000 meals each week to help feed New Yorkers.

With SNAP potentially going away, Baker told PIX 11 News, “We’re raising more funding and resources. We also are bringing in more human capacity to make as many meals as possible; we’re opening up our volunteer spaces beyond Monday to Friday.”

Cheryl Huber, the Vice President of Food and Benefit Access for the United Way New York City, said, “The lack of SNAP, it’s really hard to explain how that’s going to affect our food pantry system.”

Huber added it’s going to affect small business owners in the five boroughs because “when those benefits don’t go out, it also means that stores don’t get that revenue, so grocery stores, bodegas, corner stores.”

Alicia Maples, who is 60 years old and lives in the Bronx, said she relies on SNAP and already works side jobs to help pay for her groceries.

Maples told PIX 11 News, “I’ve been washing dishes and doing errands for people, just to make it happen.”

Maples had this message for Washington lawmakers who haven’t reached a deal to restart the federal government: “You’re messing with people’s lives, and their stomachs, people got to feed their babies. You got to open your eyes, think reality and think logic, stop playing a chess game with America.”

The Salvation Army serves midday meals to anyone in need and offers a food pantry that clients can access once a month.