Local expert weighs in on NY providing SNAP benefits

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday that she's directing state agencies to issue full federal SNAP benefits for the month of November, starting Sunday. 

The governor's announcement came after a memo from the USDA saying the agency was working to get funds available by Friday.

Earlier on Friday, a federal appeals court denied the Trump administration's appeal of an order requiring the administration to fully fund SNAP benefits. The Trump administration then took it up with the U.S. Supreme Court, which granted the appeal Friday night. 

After Gov. Hochul made the announcement, WIVB News 4 spoke with Buffalo State University Economics professor Dr. Fred Floss about how the state will help SNAP recipients. 

Floss said that despite legal battles in Washington, the state has the ability to fund these benefits for November.

“New York State, as part of their budget, has an emergency food fund, and this is probably where the governor is going to take her money from to be able to pay for November without having to tap into any other budget lines or ask the assembly for additional revenue," Floss said. "We should be good for November, and we're not the only state that is doing this, there are a number of other states that have either already sent out benefits for November or are going to be." 

"If SNAP benefits had to be picked up by New York for all of New York residents for the year, we're looking at about $3 billion, so that would be a huge cut," Floss said.

Gov. Hochul said the first benefits are expected to hit starting Sunday.

Food pantries like FeedMore WNY said while this is great news, their mission to fight food insecurity is only growing more crucial. 

“It is a very wonderful announcement. We're hopeful that this all continues to go into fruition because the fact is that SNAP is a lifeline for so many of our community members,” said Catherine Shick with FeedMore WNY. "We do know that the need still remains for this month and beyond. Whether you are in need of food assistance because we're going into the holiday season, because you're affected by the SNAP disruption, or for whatever reason, FeedMore WNY is here to help.”

If you would like to learn more about the assistance FeedMore WNY provides or help them in their battle against food insecurity as the holiday season approaches, you can click here.