Statement on SNAP Cuts and the Threat to AAPI Children and Families in New York
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2025
As the federal shutdown enters its fifth week, federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as “food stamps”, is expected to run out by November 1st. In New York State, more than 3 million residents, including approximately 1 million children, depend on SNAP to secure their next meal. According to the Fiscal Policy Institute, New York State relies on $700 million of SNAP benefits each month, and the imminent loss of this funding can undermine our entire community’s capacity to thrive.
AAPI children and families will be disproportionately impacted. Nearly 1 in 4 Asian American New Yorkers live in poverty, almost double the rate for white New Yorkers, and foreign-born Asian New Yorkers face a startling poverty rate of 27%. Around 40% of eligible AAPI households in the state are currently enrolled in SNAP.
SNAP is integral for community health and well being, and losing food and nutrition benefits will have immediate consequences. Children and families risk malnutrition, directly impacting their long-term physical and mental health. Additionally, already overburdened community-based organizations and food programs will be stretched beyond capacity; our schools will carry additional burdens to support the food needs of children and families; and our small businesses will lose customers and revenue.
Governor Hochul recently announced a total of $41 million in emergency funding to food relief programs and food pantries. While CACF commends these swift actions, the funds will not fully address New York’s food needs for even one month.
CACF is joining with allies and calling on Governor Kathy Hochul, Speaker Carl Heastie, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to:
Convene an emergency session to fully commit to funding the entire $700 million needed to cover SNAP through at least November.
Allocate additional funding to anti-hunger initiatives, including culturally responsive and community-centered food banks and pantries, emergency shelters, and soup kitchens.
Support targeted outreach to communities about emergency food programs in multiple languages to ensure immigrant and linguistically-isolated households are not left behind.
Food access is a human right. We call on New York State leaders to act now to ensure that millions of New Yorkers do not go hungry in the weeks ahead.
