New York Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency Over SNAP Crisis, Urges Trump Administration to Act

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency and sharply criticized the Trump administration for failing to release federal emergency nutrition assistance that would prevent millions of New Yorkers from losing access to SNAP benefits.

“No state should have to sue the federal government to ensure families can put food on the table,” said Hochul in a statement released on the Governor’s official site.

3 Million New Yorkers at Risk

Hochul, a Democrat, called on the administration to immediately release funds and accused Washington Republicans of “refusing to act.” She warned that unless federal contingency funds are unlocked by court order or executive decision, 3 million New Yorkers could lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting tomorrow.

State of Emergency and New York’s Response

In response, the governor has:

• Declared a state of emergency across New York.
• Fast-tracked over $100 million in state funding to support local food banks and pantries.
• Vowed to continue legal action to protect low-income families.

“New York took them to court to mitigate this crisis,” Hochul said. “Our administration remains prepared for the worst.”

This comes just hours after two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to tap into existing contingency funds to support SNAP distributions nationwide.

📍 Background

The USDA has claimed it lacks the authority to distribute full SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. However, federal courts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have both ruled that the agency must use emergency reserves to prevent benefit cuts.

For real-time updates and legal developments, visit governmentshutdown.net.

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