SNAP food benefit delays start today amid the shutdown - here's how you can help
Local organizations & businesses lead the way to feed those in need
With the federal shutdown still unresolved, many New Yorkers who rely on SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are about to feel the impact. Starting today, November 1, delays could affect how quickly families receive funds to buy groceries - a big deal for the 1.8 million New Yorkers (40 million across the US) who depend on SNAP every month.
While a federal court has ordered the administration to provide the funding, it is unclear how or when benefits will be disbursed, and states are working to provide assistance in the interim. Per Judge McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, the government must make partial payments by Wednesday or full payments by Monday, so delays could begin now.
Even if the shutdown ends soon, November benefits will likely still be delayed (you can get the latest updates on SNAP at NYS SNAP Updates). In response, our local businesses and organizations are already finding ways to help.
Local Spots Helping Out
As reported by Eater - In Gowanus, neighborhood bakery Brooklyn Granary and Mill collected nonperishable food donations today and yesterday for CHiPS, the longtime soup kitchen and shelter on 4th Avenue and Sackett Street.
Just over the Gowanus Canal, The Bell House is launching its 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive with CHiPS, running November 1–24. Bring in unopened, unexpired food donations and get two complimentary tickets to a Bell House show (select shows, while supplies last). All donations go directly to CHiPS’ pantry program.
“This could be a difficult week or few weeks. It’s hard to know exactly what the fall-out will look like from benefits or cancellations of SNAP this weekend and how long that will last, but 1 in 5 New Yorkers use SNAP, so even short delays will have a huge impact on the city. We’re planning on increasing our services by 25% and monitoring the situation as best we can.” - CHiPS
CHiPS (“Community Help in Park Slope”) has been serving the community for over 50 years, providing hot meals, groceries, and shelter for women and children.
CHiPS’ provided us with a list of their most-needed items:
Paper towel
Lysol/clorox wipes
Ground coffee
Mac and cheese
Spaghetti sauce
Shelf stable milk 32oz
Water 16.9 oz bottles
Canned beans
Pasta
Parboiled rice
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Canned meats (tuna/sardine/chicken)
Canned fruit
Canned soup
Eggs
Butter
How Locals Can Help
If you live in our coverage area - Park Slope, Gowanus, Prospect Heights, or Windsor Terrace - here’s how you can make a difference right now:
Donate food: Drop off most-needed items at food pantries like CHiPS, or participate in local food drives.
Schedule drop-offs at CHiPS via their Donation Drop-off calendar so that they can keep track of what is coming in.
Join The Bell House x CHiPS Food Drive (Nov 1–24): The Bell House on Instagram
Give funds: Support organizations who help feed people in need
CHiPS’ donation site: “We appreciate and rely on both cash and in-kind donations, but cash donations allow us more flexibility and are often able to go farther than in-kind donations.” You can see more information on how to get involved via their website.
Host a drive: Local businesses and organizations can organize their own collections via CHiPS’ Donation Drop-off calendar as above.
Spread the word: Share this info about local food pantries - here is a list below:
Community Help in Park Slope, Inc. (CHiPS)
200 4th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11217
(Corner of 4th Ave & Sackett St)
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(Between 5th & 6th Ave)
Source: City Harvest Food Map
If there are other ways our neighbors can make an impact to help those who need food, especially as the holiday season approaches, please email us.
Note: This article was written quickly due to the urgency of the situation. More details will be added as more information becomes available.