NY Senator Webb Holds Press Conference at Catholic Charities Regarding Ongoing SNAP Benefit Suspension From Federal Shutdown

Wednesday morning, New York State Senator, Lea Webb (SD-52) and Representatives from Assemblymember Anna Kelles (AD-125) office joined community leaders to provide an update on the ongoing SNAP benefit suspension caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The press conference was held at the Cortland County Catholic Charities Food Pantry.

On October 30th, Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency and initiated new actions in response to the cut off of food assistance funding for nearly 3 million New Yorkers due to the shutdown. Benefits through SNAP were not issued for the month of November as a result. Governor Hochul announced an additional $65 million in state funds for emergency food assistance to reinforce the state’s network of food banks and pantries.

“We are working hard across New York to meet the growing need for food and other basic needs because of these devastating cuts from the federal government. The Trump administration must fully fund SNAP so that seniors, veterans, families, and children do not go without food. I thank Governor Hochul for delivering state funds to Cortland to help cushion the blow of these cuts. I urge her to fund HEAP so that our community can stay warm as temperatures fall. Thank you to my municipal partners and our community partners for stepping up to meet this challenge.” Senator Webb said.

Executive Director for Catholic Charities of Cortland County, Tim Lockwood, says their food pantry on Central Ave. in the City of Cortland has seen an increase in the number of people coming to the pantry. In the past 5 years at their food pantry, they’ve seen numbers double of households and individuals they serve. Catholic Charities has seen a 200% increase in the number of senior citizens and an 80% increase in the number of children they serve, according to Lockwood.

In 2025, Catholic Charities of Cortland County’s Food Pantry is serving, on average, 661 individuals per month and providing 6,000 meals, Lockwood added. Through September of this year, they’ve already provided 7,000 more meals than they did in 2024. Since October, they have seen the number of households and individuals coming to the pantry double. Their organizations have also seen more new households than ever before. Lockwood added he believes there are many more families who are “on the edge” on deciding to utilize their food pantry or another one in the county.

“At Catholic Charities, we serve the most vulnerable in our community – working families living paycheck to paycheck, elderly individuals who can’t make ends meet, individuals with mental health and substance use issues and children – with the most basic of necessities: food. We also provide dignity and hope. For those individuals that are facing the uncertainty of SNAP benefits, of access to food, it is just an added pressure on their day-to-day lives. I would like to see federal lawmakers go without food for a week, or two, or a month and see how they like it. This administration is playing politics with people’s lives.” Lockwood said.

Additionally speaking during the press conference was President and CEO of the Food Bank of Central New York, Karen Belcher, and Executive Director of the Seven Valleys Health Coalition, Jackie Cooper. Both of whom emphasized their organizations efforts in addressing food support for local food pantries, working with community partners, and navigating uncharted waters with the uncertainty of SNAP benefits.

“[The] Food Bank of Central New York is making every effort, along with our community partners and pantries, to try to meet the current need. To keep families in our community healthy and stable, businesses, government and the nonprofit sector must work together. Federal nutrition programs like SNAP bring stability, something our communities need right now. They keep families from falling into crisis and give them the foundation to get back on their feet. The Food Bank and our network of community partners cannot possibly make up for the impact of SNAP – for every one meal we provide, SNAP provides nine. We urge Congress to come together, find common ground, and pass an agreement to reopen the government.” Belcher said.

Updates on SNAP Benefits may be found through the New York State Office of Temporary and Stability Assistance on their website. Residents may also dial 2-1-1 and be connected with a live person 24/7 if they’re in immediate need of food assistance. You may also text the number. Residents will be connected with local food pantries, community meals, and other support programs.