New Yorkers who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, to afford groceries have been feeling insecure for weeks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would freeze SNAP payments beginning Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown.

For some voters on Tuesday the trimming and delay of benefits under the federal food aid program known as SNAP was helping inform who would get their support.

Gov. Hochul declared a state of emergency to free up an additional $65M to help food pantries feed 3M New Yorkers being hit by SNAP cutoff on Nov. 1.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a “food emergency” across the state Thursday as the federal government says SNAP benefits will run dry this weekend amid the federal shutdown.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday declared a state of emergency to issue $65 million for assistance to food banks as federal funding for the national food stamp program is set to lapse on November 1.

The State University of New York (SUNY) system has hundreds of students who serve as “peer navigators,” helping with food assistance. Empire State Service Corps typically helps with a variety of initiatives, including tutoring, disaster relief and supporting food banks.

The possible disruption to SNAP funding on Nov. 1 would have a direct impact on beneficiaries of the food assistance program, and has already caused a ripple effect on the country's food system.

SNAP benefits have now lapsed for millions of families in the U.S. as the government shutdown stretches into the 34th day. Executive Director of Community Help in Park Slope Peter Endriss joins Ana Cabrera to share how his organization is helping those in need.

The fear of hunger is permeating food pantries and grocery stores across the tri-state and around the country, with many families unsure of where their next meal came from once their SNAP benefits run out.

The USA Today Network has been poring through state inspection data for grocery stores, food warehouses, delis and bodegas for insights into New York’s food inspection process. Inspectors say roughly one of every four sites receive failing grades of a B or C every year.

Nonprofits and cities are asking a judge to compel the Trump administration to fully cover food aid benefits for low income households this month, after US officials announced they would make only 50% of the funds available.