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As of November 1, 2025, millions of families across the country are expected to lose access to their SNAP food benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown — now one of the longest in U.S. history.
This means many parents will face impossible choices — opening empty fridges, skipping meals, and doing whatever they can so their children don’t go hungry.
As educators and community partners, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to respond with care, coordination, and dignity. Access to healthy food isn’t a privilege; it’s a human right.
This page is a living document of supports for schools, families, and communities across Onondaga, Cortland, and Madison Counties.
This page is updated in real time as new information, resources, and community supports become available. It was created to help schools, community partners, and families respond with care, coordination, and dignity as SNAP benefit disruptions impact households across Central New York.
Together, we can ensure that every child and caregiver feels seen, supported, and connected to the resources they need.
Current Updates(As of 11/12/25)
Current Updates(As of 11/12/25)
11/12/25
Onondaga County Department of Social Services-Economic Security (DSS-ES) SNAP Update:
UPDATE: SNAP has been issued for all November applicants and recipients. Benefits are/will become available on EBT cards November 9 - November 13, 2025. HEAP remains closed until further notice pending government funding .See attached.
New Resource at Civic Center:
Starting this week, Healthy Alliance will be joining Onondaga County DSS-ES on the 2nd floor of the Civic Center every Monday and Wednesday.
They partner with New York State Medicaid to connect people to free support services like:
Food access
Shelter and rental assistance
Utility support
Transportation for social care
This help is available to all individuals on Medicaid — whether enrolled through the local district or the Health Benefit Exchange (HBE).
Encourage your families to visit HealthyAlliance.org/MyScreening to see what they qualify for.
11/3/25
New York State has fast-tracked $30 million in emergency food aid to help mitigate SNAP delays.
As of 10/30/25, Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency and announced new actions to address the November 1 suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the federal government shutdown. The state of emergency will allow the release of more state funds to be allocated toward emergency food assistance through the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program and Nourish NY.
The Governor is also deploying Empire State Service Corps and SUNY Corps Members to support local food banks, and continuing to explore food hubs in schools.
The Food Bank of Central New York is preparing for a surge in demand and has increased deliveries to partner pantries.
SNAP benefits are still being processed, but there is a possibility of delays if the federal shutdown continues.
Families can call 2-1-1 or visit www.211cny.com for up-to-date food assistance listings.
Community Partner Supports
Community Partner Supports
Tap into SUNY volunteers.
The Empire State Service Corps connects SUNY students—trained to assist with SNAP applications and pantry work—with local schools. If you need volunteer support, complete the interest form.
Blessings in a Backpack: Active in several regional districts; can be run through the Community Schools CoSer at OCM
School Pantry Partnerships: Food Bank of CNY offers mini-pantry models for schools with high need.
Faith-Based Collaborations: Many local churches and mosques have emergency food shelves—consider creating a shared district map.
Community Fridge Networks: New locations added in Syracuse and Cortland; these can supplement weekend meals.
Immediate Family Actions
Immediate Family Actions
If your household receives SNAP benefits and you’re concerned about delays:
Call 1-800-342-3009 (NYS OTDA SNAP line) or your county DSS office.
Unused EBT funds remain on your card—they do not expire monthly.
For urgent food access, dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 for nearby pantries.
Schools and community partners can help with referrals confidentially—please reach out if you need support.
How you can help
How you can help
Join local efforts to keep food on the table and hope in our community.
From The Samaritan Center: Right now, 30% of Syracuse residents rely on SNAP benefits. The average support is just $188 per person per month — barely enough to keep food on the table. At Samaritan Center, we’re already feeling the impact. Where we once served around 250 guests each meal, we’re now serving close to 300 — and the numbers are climbing. Each meal we serve costs about $250 total — that’s less than $1 per guest — but it makes all the difference in someone’s day. Your gift today helps ensure there’s always a place at the table. Please consider donating — every dollar stretches farther than you think.
www.samcenter.org/donate
Previous Updates
Previous Updates
Information shared earlier in the response period remains available for reference.
Some may be eligible for $150 Wegmans gift cards to assist with groceries. (not accepting new applications as of 10/3/25)
Link to apply: https://www.jeffknauss.com/snap
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