If the federal government cuts funding for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits this Saturday, November 1, 1.8 million New Yorkers will lose essential food assistance. Thirty percent of older adults who receive home-delivered meal also receive SNAP.  

Food is a human right and benefits should never be used as a bargaining chip. We know from Citymeals’ own research that 60% of the older people we serve already experience food insecurity. More than half of our meal recipients live on less than $15,000 a year. 

“Any cut to SNAP benefits will have devastating effects, including additional illness and death, for thousands of Citymeals recipients and other older New Yorkers,” said Citymeals CEO Beth Shapiro. “Our meal recipients are on fixed incomes with their expenses – including food prices – rapidly rising. They are choosing between medicine, heat, and groceries. Citymeals provides a lifeline of meals and food, as does SNAP. The government needs to use all available resources support to our most vulnerable population.” 

“As a chef, feeding people is my passion,” said Citymeals Board Chair Daniel Boulud. As we enter the holiday season – a time to enjoy food and togetherness – it is unacceptable that so many people are facing food insecurity.” 

Citymeals has also spoken against the federal government’s recent decision to end the USDA’s annual Household Food Security Report, the only tool that has tracked hunger nationwide for nearly 30 years. Without it, millions of older adults in need will become even more invisible.  

In response to possible SNAP cuts, Citymeals is working with our network of partners to distribute additional food to those most in need. Citymeals is preparing to sustain this emergency response as long as necessary in our fight to end elder hunger.