October 1, 2025 – As of October 1, 2025, Congress has failed to pass a government funding agreement, triggering a federal government shutdown. While the scope of harm will depend on the shutdown’s duration, we acknowledge that millions of federal employees, contractors, and the public services they provide will be negatively impacted. Feeding New York State urges Congress to act without delay, end the shutdown, and pass a funding bill that protects healthcare and ensures stability for New York families.

According to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), essential programs including SNAP and Public Assistance will not be immediately affected, and benefits will continue to be issued. Applications for these programs will also remain open and processed. We encourage New Yorkers to visit otda.ny.gov for the latest updates. Similarly, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that WIC benefits and sites will continue operations during the shutdown, though this guidance may change. Participants should continue to follow standard procedures and refer to DOH’s FAQ page for current information.

Food distribution programs, however, face potential risks. The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has confirmed that food banks will not receive federal TEFAP administrative funds beginning October 1, and USDA commodity programs, including TEFAP, may face disruptions if the shutdown continues. This uncertainty threatens the emergency food system that millions of New Yorkers rely on.

While Feeding New York State is relieved that vital benefit programs are continuing for now, we emphasize that the lives of millions of federal workers are being disrupted. Some are furloughed without certainty of a paycheck, while others are working without pay. More than 113,000 New Yorkers are employed by the federal government. Missed paychecks could increase demand at food distributions across the state, compounding the potential disruption to food distribution programs.

At the center of the political impasse are Enhanced Premium Tax Credits—health insurance subsidies approved by Congress in 2021 to help families afford private coverage in the absence of a universal healthcare system. If these subsidies expire, premiums for New Yorkers could rise by as much as 75%, according to the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). Such an increase would leave families with fewer resources for food, housing, and other basic needs.

Ultimately, a prolonged government shutdown will deepen hunger, poverty, and food insecurity across New York and beyond, while undermining essential food distribution programs. Feeding New York State calls on Congress to end the shutdown immediately, restore government operations, and pass a funding bill that safeguards healthcare, strengthens the emergency food system, and supports families.