Foodlink is closely monitoring the impact of the government shutdown and will continue to provide updates about how it will affect federal nutrition programs. For now, here is what we know:
- SNAP: Benefits for October will be issued on schedule and without interruption, per New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. These benefits can be redeemed as usual. If a government shutdown exceeds 30 days, SNAP benefits may be interrupted.
- WIC: Benefits and operations should continue as usual. Additional updates will be available on the state Department of Health’s WIC website.
- Meal programs: We do not anticipate immediate impacts on other federal child nutrition programs, including school meals and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
We realize the uncertainty facing many of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity, and the many civilian and military federal workers in our region. If you are in need of food assistance, please call 2-1-1 or visit Foodlink’s Find Food page for a listing of 300+ resources (food pantries, meal programs, etc.) throughout our 10-county service area.
