NEW YORK—New York state will increase funding to emergency food providers by $4.5 million in response to reduced federal funding for food stamps, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.
The federal government slashed funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by 5 percent when a temporary federal benefit from the 2009 economic stimulus stopped in November. The federal cut affects 3.1 million people statewide. A family of four receiving food stamps gets $36 less a month, according to the federal Agriculture Department.
The governor said that 13 percent of the people in the state are in need of food assistance and the demand continues to grow. With rising demand and shrinking funding, the problem “is compounding itself,” Cuomo said.
More than $2 million of the funds will go to providers in New York City.
The governor likened the state’s move to the spirit of sharing on Thanksgiving. He encouraged New Yorkers to contribute food and clothing at local donation centers.
“I do that with my kids and it’s a great service for the community, but it also means a lot for the kids,” Cuomo said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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