Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has announced an emergency allocation of $50,000 from the Department of Social Services budget to Feeding Westchester. The move comes as federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to end on November 1, leaving many families in the county without critical food assistance.
Jenkins attributed the funding cuts to decisions made at the federal level. “The SNAP funding cuts are a choice made by President Trump and the Republican majorities in the Senate and the House. There was a plan to continue funding SNAP that was recently removed from the USDA website. Families across Westchester are facing an unimaginable hardship. We cannot — and will not — allow our neighbors to go hungry. This emergency funding will help Feeding Westchester and our local food pantries step up in this moment of crisis to make sure no one in our community is left behind,” Jenkins said.
Tami Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of Feeding Westchester, described the impact on residents who depend on these benefits. “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 support and partnership from our community in the fight against hunger, with the County Executive and Westchester County Government right at the center.”
Leonard Townes, Commissioner of Social Services for Westchester County, highlighted concerns about how families would cope amid uncertainty over federal action: “This is a time of great uncertainty for tens of thousands of vulnerable families in Westchester facing the real threat of hunger. We hope the federal government will do the right thing and use contingency funds for their designed purpose – to help people in need keep food on the table. But we can’t count on that. I’m proud that our County Executive is stepping up to do what we can to help our partners at Feeding Westchester and local food pantries try to fill this needless gap.”
The emergency funds will allow Feeding Westchester to increase its food distribution immediately, focusing on areas most affected by SNAP reductions. Local food pantries will be able to continue providing free groceries as demand rises due to lost federal support.
Residents seeking assistance can find information about nearby pantries or meal programs at feedingwestchester.org.
