Nanuet, NY — Alarm is growing across Rockland County as local legislators and anti-hunger advocates raise urgent concerns over potential federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). At a press conference held at People to People in Nanuet on Wednesday, community leaders outlined the potentially devastating effects of such reductions, warning that they could exacerbate an already critical food insecurity crisis affecting tens of thousands of residents.
Over 40,000 people in Rockland County currently face food insecurity, including seniors, children, veterans, and working families. These residents rely heavily on programs like SNAP to put nutritious food on the table. Local food banks and nonprofits—many of which have already endured deep funding cuts and a reduction in available fresh produce—are bracing for further strain.
“This is not just about numbers on a federal budget,” said one advocate. “This is about real people—our neighbors—who may go to bed hungry because of policy decisions made hundreds of miles away.”
The potential SNAP cuts, if enacted, could result in the loss of tens of millions of dollars in food assistance for Rockland County alone. That loss would have ripple effects far beyond individual families. Officials caution that the impact could spill over into broader economic and fiscal concerns, including the county’s Triple-A credit rating—a financial benchmark that reflects strong fiscal health and stability.
“Food insecurity is a public health issue, an educational issue, and yes, an economic issue,” said a representative from the Rockland County Legislature. “When families can’t access nutritious food, the cost gets passed along in other ways—through healthcare, lost productivity, and increased demand on emergency services.”
The event, organized by Rockland County Legislators in collaboration with the nonprofit People to People, served as both a warning and a call to action. Advocates stressed the need for community awareness and federal engagement, encouraging residents to contact their congressional representatives and demand the protection of SNAP funding.
As Rockland County continues to grapple with the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising living costs, local officials say this is not the time to roll back essential support systems. Instead, they argue, it’s time to strengthen them.
For more information, residents are encouraged to contact Laura Incalcaterra, Communications Director for the Rockland County Legislature, at (845) 461-7472 or incalcal@co.rockland.ny.us