ITHACA, N.Y — Representatives Josh Riley (NY-19) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) today led every Democrat in New York’s congressional delegation in demanding that President Trump and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in New York receive their November benefits without delay.
“SNAP keeps food on the table for working people across Upstate New York, including about one in six households in NY-19,” said Rep. Riley. “These are seniors who deserve to retire with dignity, children who deserve a fair chance, and veterans who’ve put their lives on the line. Above all else, they’re our neighbors. Nobody in Upstate New York should go hungry. The Trump Administration has the power to prevent that — and we demand that it do so.”
The Trump Administration has directed states to pause the release of November SNAP benefits, despite available federal funds and a clear legal obligation to maintain assistance. USDA’s own contingency guidance confirms the department has both the resources and authority to continue benefit payments.
Without administrative action, more than three million New Yorkers — including more than 80,000 people in New York’s 19th Congressional District — risk losing access to food assistance that helps families afford groceries and keeps local stores and markets afloat. This would mark the first time in the program’s history that monthly SNAP benefits have been delayed.
In addition to Representatives Riley and Ocasio-Cortez, the letter was signed by Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representatives Hakeem Jeffries, Yvette Clarke, Dan Goldman, Tim Kennedy, George Latimer, John Mannion, Grace Meng, Joe Morelle, Jerrold Nadler, Pat Ryan, Tom Suozzi, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, and Nydia Velázquez.
The full letter is available HERE.
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SNAP Data In New York’s 19th Congressional District
Updated October 2025 | Sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), NY Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
SNAP helps more than 51,000 people across New York’s 19th Congressional District — roughly one in six households — afford groceries and put food on the table. That includes working parents, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans, and people with disabilities who call Upstate home. These benefits don’t disappear into the system; they’re spent locally, at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and corner shops that keep our small towns running.
Each year, roughly $200 million in SNAP benefits flow into the district, generating more than $300 million in local economic activity. Every dollar in SNAP support creates about $1.50 in spending in our communities — money that supports cashiers, truck drivers, store owners, and farmers across the region.
By the Numbers:
• 51,000 individuals receiving benefits
• 88,900 households participating
• $200 million in annual benefits issued
• $308 million in estimated local economic impact
• 13% children, 18% older adults (60+), 32% non-elderly adults with disabilities
