Help For Those Affected by SNAP Suspension

Dutchess County and the City of Newburgh have both announced plans to help those affected by the recent SNAP suspension.

The City of Newburgh Tuesday announced detailed distribution plans for its $100,000 emergency aid program to assist SNAP recipients impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The City’s program will launch Wednesday, November 5th and deliver direct food support to hundreds of local families.

The City’s emergency aid program provides $150 grocery vouchers to approximately 700 City households currently enrolled in SNAP. Priority will be given to residents facing the highest levels of food insecurity — including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.

Program Eligibility & Distribution Plan
Each qualifying household will receive a one-time $150 grocery voucher. To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Be a current resident of the City of Newburgh (verified by ID, lease, deed, or utility bill);

2. Be a current SNAP recipient (verified by active benefits card);

3. Be at least 18 years old and head of household; and

4. Sign an attestation form confirming eligibility.

Vouchers will be distributed to households at highest risk of food insecurity beginning November 5th, through a combination of door-to-door outreach, walk-in community sites, and partner organization coordination.

Door-to-door distribution by City staff will occur at the following locations:
Fogarty Apartments
On Wednesday 11/5, City staff will begin distribution at the Fogarty Apartments at 5:00pm. Every qualifying household will receive a $150 Save A Lot voucher. If you are not home at this time, you will receive a letter with details on how to pick up your voucher.

Burton Towers
Distribution will be in the first floor Community Room beginning 10:00am Friday. Every qualifying household will receive a $150 Save A Lot voucher. If you are not home at this time, you will receive a letter with details on how to pick up your voucher. Residents will receive calls and notices in advance.

Cerone Place
Distribution will be in the first floor Community Room beginning Friday at noon. Every qualifying household will receive a $150 Save A Lot voucher. If you are not home at this time, you will receive a letter with details on how to pick up your voucher. Residents will receive calls and notices in advance.

Walk-in community distribution sites:
• Lake Street Apartments Community Room
Walk-in distribution on a first-come, first-served basis will begin Thursday, November 6th at 10:00am. Qualifying households will receive a $150 Save A Lot voucher.

• 123 Grand Street (Old Courthouse)
Walk-in distribution on a first-come, first-served basis will begin Thursday, November 6th at noon. Qualifying households will receive a $150 Save A Lot voucher.

The City has also partnered with the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and the Newburgh Interfaith Council to identify and reach households at high risk of food instability. Beginning Thursday, November 6th through Friday, November 14th, each weekday except Veterans Day, City staff will be on-site at 123 Grand Street to distribute $150 Save A Lot vouchers to anyone with an individual letter.

For a list of active food pantries and soup kitchens in the City of Newburgh, please visit: https://www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5284/Newburgh-Food-Pantries-List-
In Dutchess County, County Executive Sue Serino and Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt announced Friday Dutchess County Government is making a commitment of up to $1.5 million in funds to support local food pantries to assist County residents who receive SNAP benefits.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “I have been working in close coordination with our Food Security Council, and our commitment of $150,000 a week is realistic, manageable and exactly what the food pantries have told us they need to fulfill their critical mission. Hunger is a human issue; no one should go hungry because of politics. It’s absolutely ridiculous that elected leaders of the greatest country on earth can’t come together to keep people from going hungry. I’m proud to say, however, that we in Dutchess County remain committed to standing by our neighbors.”

Dutchess County will commit $150,000 a week for pantries to purchase and distribute food for up to 10 weeks, if needed. The determination of that commitment amount followed discussions with the Dutchess County Food Security Council Chair Renee Fillette-Miccio, who also serves as Executive Director of Dutchess Outreach.

Dutchess Outreach Executive Director Renee Fillette-Miccio, PhD said, “I never imagined that our federal government would push us into this crisis.”

The initial installment of $150,000 will be funded with existing County funds, and the County Legislature will vote to authorize the full $1.5 million, as needed, at its November 6th meeting.