New video series and online platform to help residents navigate SNAP
Published on August 24, 2026
The Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) and community partners are launching a three-part video series to help residents understand the new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements and connect people with local volunteer, training, and employment opportunities.
The videos will be released over the course of the next week on the Tompkins County Facebook page and shared by community partner organizations. The series features local professionals working in human services, food access, public health, and community-based organizations explaining what the changes mean, how Tompkins County is responding, and how residents can take action.
The series also introduces Tompkins Opportunity, a communitywide online platform developed to help residents find opportunities and organizations share them. The site now features dozens of volunteer and training opportunities and hundreds of job opportunities.
“We know these changes may feel overwhelming,” Earle added. “Our community has responded by coming together to make information easier to understand and opportunities easier to find. We encourage residents to learn about the changes, ask questions, and use the available resources.”
Residents, businesses, service providers, and community groups are encouraged to watch and share the videos and direct people to tompkins-opportunity.org.
What’s changing
Recent federal policy changes expand SNAP work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), meaning more SNAP recipients may be required to work or participate in other allowable activities to continue receiving benefits beyond the applicable time limit.
Many people will continue to qualify for exemptions. Because individual circumstances vary, residents should not assume that the new requirements apply to them or that a particular activity will meet their requirement. SNAP recipients are encouraged to review their status and contact DSS with questions about their individual case.
Three videos: Understand, connect and take action
Each video focuses on a different part of the community’s response.
Video #1 – Understanding the SNAP changes
The first video explains changes to SNAP work requirements, who may be affected, and the potential impact on local SNAP recipients.
Video #2 – How the community came together
The second video tells the story of the cross-sector community response. Community organizations mobilized to help residents navigate the changes and developed Tompkins Opportunity as a shared community resource.
Video #3 – Using Tompkins Opportunity
The final video demonstrates how residents can use tompkins-opportunity.org to find volunteer, training, and job opportunities and how local businesses and organizations can post opportunities for community members.
Speakers throughout the series include the Tompkins County DSS Commissioner, Community Food Coalition Chair, a compliance leader with Tompkins Community Action, a SNAP caseworker, a licensed clinical social worker, and a Tompkins County Whole Health program director. Jeremiah Craig with Jeremiah Craig Media LLC filmed and produced the series.
Human Services Coalition Executive Director Cindy Wilcox has played a key role in convening partners and advancing the coordinated response.
“This cross-sector effort is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Wilcox. “Not only does it help residents navigate new requirements, it also opens doors to deeper collaboration and lasting community solutions going forward.”
Residents and organizations can take action now
SNAP recipients can:
- Use the SNAP screening tool to better understand whether the new requirements may apply to them.
- Visit tompkins-opportunity.org to explore volunteer, training and employment opportunities.
- Contact Tompkins County DSS at (607) 274-5680 with questions about their individual circumstances.
Businesses, nonprofits and community organizations can:
- Post volunteer and training opportunities on Tompkins Opportunity.
- Share the platform with employees, clients, volunteers and community members.
- Be prepared to verify participation or volunteer hours when required so residents can document their activities.
The more organizations participate, the more options residents will have to find activities that work for their circumstances while contributing their time and talents to the community.