Posted by NASWNY Chapter
posted on October 30, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical federal initiative that combats food insecurity by providing food-purchasing benefits to eligible families. NASW-NY commends Governor Kathy Hochul for declaring the revocation of federal SNAP funding due to the federal shutdown a statewide disaster emergency. This action provides immediate relief to families and individuals through food banks and pantries across New York.
Food is a human right. No one should experience hunger in one of the wealthiest states in the nation. Governor Hochul stated, “This is the first federal shutdown where there was no accommodation for food. We are going to stop feeding Americans… I am officially declaring a food emergency and will unleash every tool at our disposal.”
Her response followed urgent calls from food pantries and advocacy organizations, including Legal Aid, as hunger rates continue to rise. New York typically distributes approximately $650 million per month in SNAP benefits. The recently allocated $65 million for hunger relief will cover only about 40 million meals—far short of what is needed to sustain the 3 million New Yorkers who rely on SNAP.
NASW-NY reaffirms that food security is a fundamental human right and that ensuring access to food reflects the ethical obligations of the social work profession. If federal funding remains unavailable, New York State must act to fill the gap.
NASW-NY will continue monitoring this issue and share updates as they develop.
Contact your Members of Congress and urge them to pressure the USDA to release contingency SNAP funds. MAZON provides a click-to-action tool and advocacy talking points .
Dr. Shakira Kennedy, Ph.D., LMSW NASW-NY Executive Director skennedy.naswny@socialworkers.org
Gideon Mosse NASW-NY Policy Coordinator gmosse.naswny@socialworkers.org
Amanda Pressly, MS NASW-NY Policy Coordinator apressly.naswny@socialworkers.org