By Blake Jackson
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York State has distributed nearly $6.5 billion in food assistance to low-income working residents through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2024.
This federally funded program supports families with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, helping them afford nutritious food. Addressing hunger and food insecurity remains a key focus of Governor Hochul’s administration.
“No New Yorker should ever go hungry, and no parent or caregiver should have to choose between buying groceries or keeping the lights on,” Governor Hochul said. “We need congressional leaders to step up and maintain funding for SNAP, an absolutely critical program that so many working families, families with children, and seniors across New York, depend on to purchase food, feed their loved ones, and make ends meet.”
SNAP, managed by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and implemented by local social services departments, supports nearly 3 million New Yorkers—or over 1.7 million households each month.
On average, households receive $376 in monthly benefits. By the end of October 2024, the program had issued close to $6.5 billion in benefits across the state.
Approximately 18 percent of New York’s population has relied on SNAP this year. Over half of recipient households include children, and about 47 percent have at least one adult aged 55 or older or someone with a disability.
A federal study highlights SNAP’s economic benefits, showing that every $1 spent through the program generates up to $1.54 in economic activity.
New York has made efforts to enhance SNAP accessibility by simplifying applications and removing unnecessary barriers. These changes ensure eligible residents, including families and older adults, can receive benefits without delays.
The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) streamlines the application and recertification process for households where all adults are seniors or disabled.
Launched in December 2021, ESAP has enrolled around 500,000 households, preventing interruptions in benefits for eligible recipients.
OTDA collaborates with local agencies and community organizations to boost awareness and simplify access to SNAP benefits. Outreach programs offer prescreening services, application support, and direct assistance to ensure continuous benefits, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, the SNAP-Ed program provides nutrition education, helping SNAP recipients make healthy food choices and stretch their budgets. This free program also promotes active lifestyles, benefiting those receiving SNAP assistance.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: New York, Government & Policy