NEW CITY, NY — In a swift response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on local families, Rockland County Executive Ed Day has authorized $2 million in emergency funding to support food assistance for residents affected by the suspension of federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
The move follows a resolution passed by the County Legislature and comes just days before nearly 19,000 Rockland households—representing over 54,000 individuals—were set to lose access to federal nutrition assistance due to the funding lapse in Washington.
“This is an emergency, plain and simple,” said County Executive Day. “When Washington fails to act, local government must step up. This funding will make sure that food continues to reach the tables of the Rockland families who need it most.”
The emergency funding will be used to stabilize the county’s food supply and bolster local food pantries, which are preparing for a significant surge in demand. The federal shutdown and subsequent suspension of SNAP payments come at a time when food prices remain elevated and household budgets are already strained.
“With food costs already high and household budgets stretched thin, the sudden loss of SNAP benefits will hit our most vulnerable residents first,” Day said. “This $2 million investment ensures Rockland’s food pantries will have the supplies they need to meet that demand immediately. This is about neighbors helping neighbors. Rockland will not allow its residents to go hungry.”
In addition to the funding measure, the County of Rockland and its five towns—Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, Ramapo, and Stony Point—have partnered with the United Way to launch a countywide food drive to further assist families during the crisis.
Residents wishing to contribute can donate food at the following locations:
- Robert L. Yeager Health Center, Building A Lobby – 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona
- Allison-Parris County Office Building – 11 New Hempstead Rd., New City
- Town of Clarkstown Town Hall – 10 Maple Ave., New City
- Town of Haverstraw Town Hall – 1 Rosman Road, Garnerville
- Town of Orangetown Town Hall – 26 W. Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg
- Town of Ramapo Town Hall – 237 Route 59, Suffern/Airmont
- Town of Stony Point Town Hall – 74 East Main Street, Stony Point
Online donations are also being accepted through the United Way of Rockland County at uwrc.org/food.
Rockland County officials continue to monitor the evolving situation in Washington and say they will take further local action as needed to protect residents from the shutdown’s fallout.