Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano opened applications on Wednesday for an emergency food relief program for people receiving SNAP benefits as the federal government enters its fifth week of its shutdown.
DeStefano says his office has been flooded with calls from parents, grandparents, and one woman who said she only has three cents left on her EBT card.
“It’s a damn shame that this is the United States of America, and we have to be worried about people getting food on their table because Congress and the President can’t get together to pass a short-term bill to provide these benefits,” said DeStefano. “It’s just unbelievable.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and announced more than $65 million in state funds on Thursday in response to the expected SNAP delays. The state investment will support food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens across the state to provide about 40 million meals to New Yorkers. Earlier this week, New York and 24 other states sued the Trump administration, arguing that the administration is unlawfully allowing SNAP funding to dry up.
Nearly three million New Yorkers are at risk of losing SNAP assistance starting Nov. 1. Food access nonprofit Feeding America data highlights that about one in eight people in Orange County and one in seven people in Sullivan County don’t have enough food to eat and are food insecure.
The Middletown program is expected to support 200 families with a $50 food certificate. DeStefano announced Middletown would re-allocate $10,000 in federal funds already received by the city to benefit low-income and moderate-income residents.
While the program will only provide short-term relief for households, DeStefano says he’s looking at how the city might be able to roll out additional funding if the shutdown continues.
“We’re looking at the legality of using some city funds to help supplement, too,” said DeStefano. “[This] one-shot [program] might become two shots, might become three shots, depending on funding and whether the feds get their act together.”
DeStefano’s also worried about the broader impact the potential SNAP delays will have on the economy and supermarkets. “People aren’t shopping, and I’m afraid [that] layoffs are coming depending on how long this lasts, but the most significant [cost] is the human cost and what’s happening to people.”
For now, he says local communities are bracing for the cuts and rallying to address the gap.
“We see the community coming closer together,” he said. “People are doing outreach, they’re helping, and the recipients are very appreciative of the efforts.”
How to apply and who’s eligible
Applications opened on Wednesday, Oct. 29, and will close on Monday, Nov. 3, at 4 p.m.
Program recipients will receive one $50 benefit certificate that they can use at participating stores. Applications must show proof of residency and proof of current SNAP benefits.
Certificates may be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, breads, cereals, non-alcoholic beverages, and more.
Middletown residents can register online, by phone, or in-person:
- Online: On the City of Middletown website, under ‘Departments,’ click ‘Recreation & Parks,’ click ‘Online Registration.’ Click on the tab for the Middletown Emergency Food Assistance Program. You must create an online account to register.
- Phone: You can call 845-346-4180 to register. Phone registration will require additional follow-up for documentation.
- In-Person: You can register in-person at the Middletown City Hall at 16 James Street. The building is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If more than 200 applications are received, Middletown will implement a lottery system.
Modification: This article has been updated to include information about New York’s state of emergency declaration and New York suing the Trump administration to keep SNAP funding through November.
Image: A grocery cart with a variety of produce, meat, and other items inside the cart (Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture)