Governor Kathy Hochul is declaring a state of emergency for New York in anticipation of federal food assistance running out on Saturday because of the government shutdown.
The state of emergency allows Governor Hochul to set aside more money for food assistance. She is announcing 65 million dollars to help those who rely on SNAP benefits. SNAP helps low income households purchase groceries and three million New York state residents rely on it. Hochul lashed out at the Trump administration and Republicans for letting SNAP benefits run out Saturday.
"Because I believe it's immoral for people to suffer because Republicans will not unleash the food emergency funds that are sitting there."
Hochul says she's looking at the possibility of sending food home with some students as part of what she calls leftovers from the free school meals the state provides.