New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency due to the potential suspension of SNAP benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown. “The Trump Administration would rather starve children and families than lift a finger to help them put food on the table,” Hochul said. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I’m declaring a State of Emergency to use every tool we have to help the three million New Yorkers losing food assistance because of the GOP shutdown.”

Hochul announced an additional $65 million in funding for food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency food providers across the state as the federal shutdown entered its 30th day. The move comes as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program faces expiration on November 1. Hochul blamed Republicans in Washington for the stalemate, dismissing their claims that no action could be taken. “They said there’s nothing we can do. I’m not buying that,” she said.

The federal government has warned that SNAP beneficiaries’ debit cards will not be reloaded after November 1. Meanwhile, 24 other states have joined New York in suing the Trump administration to access emergency SNAP funds. Democratic officials argue the administration is legally obligated to maintain benefits as long as funding exists, despite recent claims from the Department of Agriculture that it cannot use a $5 billion contingency fund for this purpose.

Republican state attorneys general have urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass a “clean continuing resolution” to sustain SNAP funding, highlighting the program’s critical role in supporting one in eight Americans. The standoff underscores growing tensions over the safety net as the shutdown persists.