Move by Governor Kathy Hochul aimed at providing food banks with $65 million in assistance as SNAP benefits set to expire

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Thursday to free up funds to provide $65 million in assistance to food banks as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to expire amid a federal government shutdown.

"Governor Hochul is stepping up by committing an additional $65 million in new state funds for emergency food assistance that will reinforce New York’s network of vital food bank and pantry partners and provide about 40 million meals to hungry New Yorkers," the governor's office said in a statement.

SNAP benefits are set to expire on Nov. 1, becoming a flashpoint in the government shutdown, which is now in its 30th day.

During a news briefing, Hochul said the Trump administration is cutting food assistance off for three million New Yorkers.

"Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have the power to stop this crisis — millions of families depend on it," she said.

New York state reportedly distributes roughly $650 million each month in federally funded SNAP benefits to nearly 3 million residents. Due to the program’s size, Governor Hochul and other governors nationwide have consistently stressed that no state government can substitute for or supplement SNAP benefits.

The announcement came after US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned Wednesday that millions of Americans could soon lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues.

Schumer said the shutdown has put key social programs at risk, including SNAP, which provides food aid to more than 42 million Americans.

The shutdown, the second-longest in US history, began Oct. 1 after a breakdown in negotiations on federal spending priorities. Thousands of federal workers have since been furloughed, or working without pay, while government services have been curtailed or suspended. (AA)