With cuts to SNAP, New Yorkers go hungry

Food Bank for New York City's annual legislative report is an opportunity to help us better understand the need for resources to fight hunger across the city. In many ways, it is a gut check.

Reductions to SNAP benefits, commonly referred to as food stamps, four years ago still continue to impact those who need help the most, according to President/CEO Margaret Purvis.

The cuts are depleting food kitchens and also put a dent in the broader economy. Purvis said food stamps are a driver of the economy, pumping $3 billion into the state's economy.

The numbers in this report are bleak. In some neighborhoods, half the people are in need of help.

Triada Stampas, a VP with Food Bank for New York City, said members of New York's congressional delegation are supportive of making changes and improvements to SNAP. But more cuts are hanging on the horizon. The White House and Congress have proposed budgets that further reduce resources allocated to SNAP over the next 10 years.

Purvis added that as the gap between the "haves and have-nots" gets wider, deep poverty will be farther away from one's view—but that doesn't mean it isn't there.

Resources:

Federal SNAP overview

New York State SNAP overview