Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has issued a statement criticizing recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Jenkins expressed concern over expanded work requirements and the removal of exemptions for certain groups, including veterans, the homeless, and former foster youth.
“Let’s be clear about what’s happening here with SNAP — these federal changes are cruel, unnecessary, and completely out of touch with reality. The Trump Administration and its Republican allies in Washington have once again chosen to attack working families, seniors, veterans, and young people just trying to get by. Expanding work requirements and stripping away exemptions for veterans, the homeless, and former foster youth isn’t reform — it’s punishment,” Jenkins said.
He also addressed fears that continued federal government shutdown could result in delayed or halted SNAP funding as early as November 1. “And now, to make matters worse, with the federal shutdown continuing, there’s real fear that all SNAP funding could be delayed — or worse, stopped altogether — come November 1. These changes are the result of the Trump Administration’s ongoing assault on New York State, terminating a waiver that was set to expire in February 2026, effective November 1. Imagine standing at the supermarket checkout, groceries in hand, only to be told your card has no funds — not because of anything you did wrong, but because politicians in Washington are playing games with people’s lives,” he said.
Jenkins warned that potential disruptions would affect not only SNAP but also HEAP. “The horror doesn’t end with SNAP. Federal funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is also threatened. SNAP and HEAP are lifelines for millions of New Yorkers, helping families, seniors, and individuals meet their most basic needs — food and heat. Any disruption to these programs would have an immediate and devastating impact on our communities, especially as colder weather approaches.”
He emphasized that Westchester County lacks resources to fill any gap if federal support lapses: “We are deeply concerned that without congressional action, low-income New Yorkers could see their SNAP benefits cut off on November 1, and the opening of HEAP could be delayed. Westchester County does not have the financial capacity to cover these programs if federal funding lapses.”
Jenkins called on lawmakers to resolve budget disputes: “Here in Westchester County, we are calling on Republicans in Washington to do their jobs — reopen the government, fund SNAP and HEAP, and stop using people in need as pawns in a political fight.”
He concluded by affirming local values: “In Westchester County, we believe in compassion, not cruelty. We believe in helping people get on their feet, not knocking them down. And as long as I’m County Executive, Westchester will stand up for our residents — especially when Washington won’t.”
