Mayor Mike Spano held a press conference in Yonkers on October 31, 2025, urging residents to support Feeding Westchester as changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility are set to take effect November 1. The new federal policy could result in reduced support for many families, increasing the risk of hunger throughout the community.
Standing with public officials, city department heads, and community organizations, Mayor Spano called for donations of non-perishable food items to Feeding Westchester. Donation boxes will be placed at various locations across Yonkers for this purpose.
“In the face of these benefit changes, we must come together as a community,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Feeding Westchester is a lifeline for thousands of families, and now more than ever, they need our help to meet the growing demand. Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, or a community leader, you have the power to make a difference. Let’s show what Yonkers is made of.”
He added: “Our representatives in Washington need to act now and get back to work to resolve this – regardless of political party. You can’t play chess with people’s lives, knowing that their well-being is on the line. Here in Yonkers, we see the ripple effects – from delayed federal support to uncertainty for those who depend on vital services. Our residents expect leadership, not gridlock.”
According to city data, out of 24,000 students in Yonkers Public Schools, about 18,000 are identified as economically disadvantaged. Approximately 12% of older adults in Yonkers live below the poverty line.
Food donation bins will be available at several sites including Yonkers City Hall (40 South Broadway), Yonkers PAL (127 North Broadway), and all three public libraries: Riverfront Library (1 Larkin Center), Grinton I. Will Library (1500 Central Park Avenue), and Crestwood Library (16 Thompson Street).
Tami Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of Feeding Westchester said: “I can’t imagine the stress and anxiety our neighbors are feeling right now with the loss of federal paychecks and the uncertainty of SNAP benefits not being funded in just a few days. To worry about where your next meal will come from, especially as we approach a holiday centered on food, gratitude, love, and family is something no one should ever have to face. We are so fortunate to have unyielding local government support and partnership from our community in the fight against hunger.”
Residents are encouraged to donate shelf-stable foods such as canned vegetables or beans, pasta, rice, peanut butter or whole grain cereal through November 21.
Mayor Spano also invited local organizations and businesses to join this effort by hosting donation sites or participating directly; those interested can contact Dr. Dwanita Crosby at [email protected].
Yonkers is home to over 200,000 residents across diverse neighborhoods with many cultural attractions (official website). The city delivers municipal services through dedicated departments like public works and engineering (official website), supporting both infrastructure maintenance and public health (official website). As Westchester County’s largest city (official website), it serves communities throughout its boundaries (official website). Mayor Mike Spano has focused his administration on family support and economic growth since becoming mayor (official website).
