Poloncarz, Kennedy Join ECDSS at New Covenant Church Food Pantry in Tonawanda to spotlight issue as three weeks of federal dysfunction force indefinite delay of SNAP, HEAP benefit programs for November
Over 78,000 households at risk of losing SNAP benefits in Thanksgiving month; with winter approaching, HEAP funding still has not been allocated by Congress
ERIE COUNTY, NY— In an unprecedented announcement today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Congressman Tim Kennedy, Deputy County Executive Lisa M. Chimera, First Deputy Commissioner of Social Services Daniel Szewc, Commissioner of the Department for the Aging Randy Hoak, and Collin Bishop of FeedMore WNY at the New Covenant Church Food Pantry in Tonawanda as Erie County is warning thousands of county residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (“SNAP”) and Home Energy Assistance (“HEAP”) programs to prepare to seek alternative food and energy assistance if the ongoing federal shutdown continues into November. The Erie County Department of Social Services (“ECDSS”) warns that more than 78,000 households, representing more than 140,000 people, will not receive SNAP benefits in November if the shutdown continues until then, and they should plan immediately to seek alternative food assistance.
SNAP EBT benefits will not be issued by the State of New York for the month of November if the federal shutdown remains in place. For Erie County, that represents $27.5 million of SNAP assistance provided monthly, also meaning potentially $27.5 million will be removed from our economy if the shutdown continues until December. SNAP applications and recertifications will continue to be processed as normal. ECDSS reminds all participating households to ensure they are available for interview appointments as scheduled to prevent any interruptions in future benefits after the shutdown. SNAP benefits will be issued when/if the federal budget is resolved.
The federal shutdown has also delayed the November 1 opening of the 2025-2026 HEAP season until federal funds are allocated by Congress. Households in need of HEAP are still encouraged to apply as normal, and payments will be issued when funding is allocated to the program.
“While November should be a month to plan on family get togethers around the Thanksgiving table, sadly this year many families are facing stark choices, and we are left with no choice but to warn our residents of the upcoming storm. When the congressional majority in Washington decided to go on vacation for over three weeks and counting, leaving the business of the American people undone, they put at risk thousands of Erie County residents and millions of Americans by leaving them without the food and heating assistance they rely on,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Their cynicism has real world consequences for the families and children potentially left hungry and cold by their callousness. Congressional Republicans significantly cut SNAP during the passage of the Big Ugly Bill, and now 140,000 Erie County residents, many children and seniors, will be left hungry because those same Congressional Republicans refuse to negotiate with Democrats and protect their constituents.”
“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are waging war on hardworking Americans. They are engaging in a coordinated attack on our most critical safety net programs, including healthcare, nutrition, and heat assistance,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “These cuts and delays impact the same people - those who rely on these safety net services the most. Right now, we’re dealing with an administration that is making it deadly to be poor in America. We won’t stand for it, and we’re fighting back. It’s time to end this shutdown, cancel the cuts, and make life more affordable.”
“We recognize that suspension of SNAP EBT benefits for November, along with the delayed opening of the HEAP season, will be difficult for many households,” said Daniel Szewc, First Deputy Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Social Services. “Our team is dedicated to helping households access available resources and support during this time.”
The Department of Social Services will contact SNAP households directly with emergency food resource information starting next week. SNAP households should not come to 158 Pearl Street unless they need to drop off additional paperwork or are scheduled for an interview. Households in emergency need of food assistance may request a pantry referral through the ECDSS SNAP Call Center (716) 858-7239.
Households may also find the nearest food pantries by calling 2-1-1 or by visiting www.211wny.org .
Households facing emergency utility shut offs can apply in person for utility arrears benefits to avoid utility shutoffs at the Emergency Social Services Division, located at 158 Pearl St. Buffalo NY 14202 https://www3.erie.gov/temporaryassistance/utility-arrears .
The Erie County Department of Social Services has created a page with available resources, guidance and supports to help families, older adults and individuals with shutdown-related concerns.
The Erie County Department for the Aging is here to help ensure that no older adult goes without nutritious meals, especially during times when benefits like SNAP may be reduced. The Department offers a wide range of meal programs designed to meet the unique needs of older adults and their caregivers. The Department also serves as the contracted agency through DSS to conduct outreach for seniors, who are often the primary participants in the HEAP program due to their low or fixed incomes. The Department has already released its outreach schedule, which includes more than 40 events across Erie County. These outreaches will continue as planned, even though the HEAP program remains closed for an extended period.
“Our department is standing by to offer whatever resources and supports we can to older adults across the county,” said Commissioner Randy Hoak. “We encourage them to find out about everything we have to offer as soon as possible and plan accordingly.”
Through the Stay Fit Dining Program, individuals aged 60 and older can enjoy hot, healthy lunches in a welcoming, social setting at nearly 40 dining locations across Erie County. Meals are available Monday through Friday, and while there is a suggested confidential contribution of $3.50, no one is ever turned away for inability to pay. Visit https://www3.erie.gov/aging/stay-fit-congregate-dining for more information.
For those who prefer the flexibility of meals at home, the Frozen Congregate Meal Program makes it easy to keep nutritious food on hand. You or your caregiver can pick up convenient 3-, 5-, 6-, 8-, or 10-meal packs from participating locations to enjoy whenever needed. More information is available at https://www3.erie.gov/aging/frozen-congregate-meal-menu .
For older adults who are homebound the Department proudly partners with trusted community organizations — including Amherst Meals on Wheels, KenTon Meals on Wheels, and FeedMore WNY — to provide Home Delivered Meals following a free initial home assessment. For more information visit https://www3.erie.gov/aging/home-delivered-meals .
If you or a loved one needs help identifying which program is best, or you’re unsure about eligibility or how to access these services, the best thing to do is call our NY Connects – Erie County line at (716) 858-8526. NY Connects is the Department’s hotline service, staffed by live case managers who are available to assist older adults and caregivers with a wide range of needs — including benefits enrollment, housing assistance, community referrals, and more.
# # #
