United Way awards $30,000 in emergency funding to Feeding Westchester in response to SNAP benefit disruption.
United Way of Westchester and Putnam has launched a coordinated emergency response to ensure vulnerable families don’t go hungry after the federal government shutdown disrupted SNAP benefits for an estimated 77,000 residents across Westchester and Putnam counties.
While two court rulings ordered contingency funding, the federal government has indicated it can only provide recipients with approximately half of their typical SNAP allotment, with anticipation of significant delays in releasing the reduced funds. In response, United Way is administering $115,000 in emergency funding.
“The shutdown has paused SNAP benefits, delayed state food deliveries, and expanded the gap between need and available supply,” said United Way of Westchester and Putnam President and CEO Tom Gabriel. “Meanwhile, local food pantries are seeing a significant increase in the number of families coming to their sites seeking help.”
United Way allocated $40,000 from its general operating fund for immediate Emergency Food Insecurity grants, targeting the region’s critical food distribution infrastructure. The organization strategically awarded the emergency funding to maximize impact: $30,000 to Feeding Westchester and $10,000 to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley (which covers Putnam County). These funds will specifically support the accounts of local food pantries partnering with these organizations, enabling them to purchase additional food as demand surges.
“In times like these, we see the true strength of community. United Way’s generosity reminds us that when we show up for one another, we build a future where everyone can thrive,” said Tami Wilson, Chief Operations Officer at Feeding Westchester. “Their support helps us feed hope and possibility in every corner of our community.”
In addition, Putnam County approved $75,000 to United Way toward the purchasing and distribution of supermarket gift cards to SNAP recipients and the awarding of grants to food pantries in its communities. United Way is also working with the Department of Social Services, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Second Chance Foods to deliver food and meals directly to affected residents.
The City of Peekskill is partnering with United Way to deliver meals daily to SNAP recipients through a collaboration with DoorDash. The program will provide free deliveries throughout November, ensuring that even those with mobility challenges or transportation barriers can access nutritious food.
Through United Way’s rapid mobilization of resources and collaborative partnerships, the organization continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of the community during times of crisis.