Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello and local leaders gathered Tuesday, Oct. 28, to alert the Rochester community to impending delays and changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Late last week, Monroe County was notified that SNAP benefits, due to be released on Nov. 1, would be delayed because of the federal government shutdown.
More than 104,000 Monroe County residents rely on SNAP to help feed their families; of those, more than 37,000 are under the age of 18; and 22,000 are over the age of 60. The cost of the SNAP program in Monroe County is $20 million per month.
MONROE COUNTY WEBSITE: ‘ABAWD’ ELIGIBILITY CHANGES
“The lapse in SNAP funding is a slap in the face to the seniors, children, working poor, veterans, and people with disabilities who make up the vast majority of SNAP recipients in Monroe County,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “President Trump’s use of access to food as a bargaining chip in the federal shutdown is disgraceful. To threaten that most basic need, knowing full well that neither states, counties, nor charities can afford to cover that expense, is heartless and abhorrent.”
SNAP recipients are urged to continue to submit any necessary documentation to the Monroe County Department of Human Services, and apply for benefits if they need them, so that they can receive SNAP when the shutdown is over and funding is reinstated.
People who need food assistance can reach out to 211, MyWayfinder.org, or FoodlinkNY.org/FindFood.
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“SNAP is our nation’s first line of defense against food insecurity — and is responsible for lifting millions of Americans out of poverty every month,” said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink. “Any disruption or reduction in SNAP puts an immediate strain on our communities and puts added pressure on the emergency food system. We are purchasing more food to prepare for a surge in demand, but cannot do this work alone. We urge the public to donate or advocate to support Foodlink or one of our many member food pantries or meal programs during this challenging time.”
Additionally, but unrelated to the shutdown, new work and reporting requirements for SNAP will take effect on Dec. 1 as a result of H.R. 1 (the “OBBB”) proposed by President Trump and passed by Congress in July. As a result, some SNAP recipients will receive notification of these changes in their mail this week. These changes will require certain individuals to meet new work and reporting requirements or face losing their benefits.
Beginning December 1, SNAP recipients categorized as Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD), those aged 18-64 who do not have children under 14 in their household and are physically and mentally able to work, will be required to work at least 20 hours per week, or participate in work training, volunteer service, or other work-related activities to maintain their SNAP benefits.
The Monroe County Department of Human Services, which administers the SNAP program on behalf of the state and federal governments, will mail information by Nov. 1 to SNAP recipients who currently meet the ABAWD definition. The mailing contains all of the information individuals will need to determine the steps they must take to maintain their SNAP benefits.
“It is critical that anyone who receives SNAP pay attention to their mail and act quickly,” Bello said. “SNAP is a lifeline for many of our most vulnerable
residents, and we want to make sure they take action to maintain their food assistance. There are community resources available to help, but we can’t help if people do not act.”
Staff of the Monroe County Department of Human Services have been meeting with non-profit organizations over the past several months to advise them of the SNAP changes and engage their assistance in educating and supporting any SNAP recipients they serve.
Individuals and organizations can find out more information about the SNAP changes by visiting the County’s website or calling (585) 753-5386.
Foodlink also has set up a dedicated “SNAP Line” staffed by Benefit Navigators. Call 585-413-5091 or via email at snap@foodlinkny.org with questions surrounding your benefits.
