Food Access Update: How to Find & Give Support While Federal Programs Pause

Starting November 1, SNAP/EBT benefits may be delayed or not issued at all due to a federal funding interruption. If you rely on SNAP, this pause may temporarily affect your ability to access food—including here at the Pitney Meadows Community Farm Stand. We understand the uncertainty this causes. Know that you are not alone, and we are here for you.

Our farm sits at the intersection of the local food and the emergency food systems. We’re committed to assisting both our SNAP farm stand customers and our hunger‑relief partner agencies, who depend on us. 

As SNAP faces this unprecedented pause, the gap it leaves is heartbreaking: For every meal a food pantry provides, SNAP provides nine! Additionally, over a billion dollars was cut from food banks and schools earlier in 2025, tightening already strained budgets, and 1.4 million federal workers are missing paychecks as grocery prices hit record highs. While nothing is final until November 1, the nation is on the brink of a deepening hunger crisis. Donations alone cannot fill that gap—our current system wasn’t designed for this scale of crisis.

Here’s what we’re doing:

• Our team is working to redistribute fresh produce through our food‑donation channels to our hunger‑relief and food pantry partners, doing our best to keep fresh, local food flowing. We’re seeking corporate sponsors to help make this happen. Please contact brooke.mcconnell@pitneymeadows.org if you are that business!
• Creating a Farm Stand Free Fridge. We’ve launched a “Free Fridge” inside our Farm Stand for our neighbors who could use a helping hand stocked with produce and pantry items purchased and donated by neighbors.
• We’re offering information and resources for SNAP customers—how to access emergency food assistance, how to plan ahead, and how to make the most of your farm‑stand visits if your benefits are delayed (see below!).
• We’re calling on the state and federal governments to recognize that this pause in SNAP benefits will strain our community’s food systems and our ability to care for one another. A total $700 million a month is needed to make New Yorkers whole.
  

FAQ’s: 

1. What can I do if I rely on SNAP for groceries to feed myself/my family?

You can still access free food through local food pantries and community centers. These sites continue to operate, and anyone in need can receive food; you do not need active SNAP benefits to qualify. Please be aware that pantries and meal sites may be stretched thin during this time. If you are able, plan ahead and reach out early to learn each site’s hours, eligibility, and distribution schedules.

Within our Farm Stand, we’ve created a “Free Fridge” to support our neighbors who could use a helping hand. During this federal program pause, community members are purchasing extra produce and pantry items from the Farm Stand and leaving them here for anyone in need. If you could use some food, please take what you need, this resource is for you.

Double Up Food Bucks NY and Comfort Food Bucks remain available. Our Farm Stand accepts Comfort Food Bucks. To find a location that accepts Double Up Food Bucks NY, visit: https://doubleupnys.com/find-a-location/

2. How will I know when SNAP benefits work again?

We will keep our community updated to the best of our ability. You can also check official updates from:

• New York OTDA SNAP page: otda.ny.gov/programs/snap
• 2-1-1 Helpline: dial 2-1-1 for food and assistance resources.

Where Can I Get Help and Pitney Meadows Produce?

I’m Not on SNAP… How Can I Help?

Even if you don’t use SNAP, there are many ways to support neighbors and the local food network during this challenging time:

• Donate food or funds to the farm, local pantries, and meal programs.
• Contribute to the Pitney Meadows Farm Stand Free Fridge. Purchase extra local goods during your visit and leave them in our “Free Fridge.” These donations go directly to your neighbors who could use a helping hand and may be struggling during this pause.
• Volunteer at distribution sites, here at the farm, or local food banks.
• Spread the word about available resources to friends, family, and neighbors.
• Support the farm by buying produce or participating in farm initiatives… your support helps keep fresh food flowing to those in need.
• Invite your neighbors for a meal. Even small acts of hospitality can make a big difference for someone feeling the strain of rising food costs.

When food security is compromised, when federal safety nets falter, it’s our local relationships and local systems that keep the promise of nourishment alive. At Pitney Meadows, we remain dedicated to everyone who depends on our fields, gardens, and community. We believe in fresh food, belonging, and resiliency—and together we’ll continue to work toward this vision in this challenging time.

Thank you for being part of this community.

With gratitude,
Brooke