Donations encouraged to support residents facing SNAP delays

Published on October 31, 2025

Tompkins County leadership and the Department of Social Services (DSS) call on the public to aid local food resources. Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are likely to be delayed.

Although October benefits are being issued as usual, the uncertainty around federal funding means households that rely on SNAP could face a gap in resources. We recognize that many families and individuals in Tompkins County are vulnerable to food insecurity, and this extended disruption could intensify hardship. According to the Tompkins County DSS, approximately 7,200 county residents are currently relying on SNAP benefits. Most SNAP recipients in New York are children (30%), elderly (21%), or disabled (10%).

On October 30, the county administrator issued Emergency Order 2025-01, authorizing up to $50,000 in county funds to purchase and distribute food to county residents affected by the likely delay of SNAP benefits.

How you can help and make a difference

If you are able and willing, we invite you to support our local network of food and nutrition resources. Your donation of time, food, or funds will amplify our collective capacity to serve more people during this critical period.

Local hunger-relief organizations – including food pantries, meal programs, and outdoor food cabinet networks – are already serving additional clients and preparing for increased need.

Here are a few options:

Make a monetary contribution to a local hunger-relief organization so they can purchase needed items.
Volunteer with a community meal program or meal distribution effort.
Donate non-perishable food items to your local food pantry or outdoor food cabinet.
Spread the word and help ensure family, friends, or neighbors know where to find emergency food support.

Thank you for the compassion and generosity you show our community every day. Your assistance now will help ensure that even in uncertain times, our neighbors will not go without.

WIC food benefits not affected

As of October 30th, the Tompkins County WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) office remains open. Currently, the federal government shutdown is not expected to impact WIC in New York State. Families can continue to use their benefits at the store and attend their scheduled appointments. For the most up-to-date information on how the federal shutdown affects WIC, visit the New York State Department of Health website. If you are not currently participating in WIC but believe you could be eligible, visit the Whole Health WIC page to learn more.

Our commitment to our community

We want to reassure every resident that the county is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and our community partners to mitigate disruptions.

Even if benefits are delayed, our goal is to ensure no one faces hunger alone. Please reach out if you need help:

Call the Tompkins County DSS at (607) 274-5680.
Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 for 24/7 connection to assistance.

We will continue to share updates through our website, local media, social media, and community partners as soon as verified information is available from state and federal sources.