As the federal government shutdown continues, on Monday, Oct. 27, officials from Part of the Solution (POTS), which serves thousands of New Yorkers every month through its food pantry, community dining room, and case management services, announced the nonprofit is taking decisive action to protect Bronx residents and other vulnerable New Yorkers from what they said are the devastating impacts of halted federal aid.

 

According to various media reports and Democratic elected officials, a continuing resolution to fund the government through Nov. 21 has failed to advance in the Senate multiple times, with no new vote scheduled before next week (as of Oct. 27).

 

Officials from POTS, located on Webster Avenue in Bedford Park, with a second location on the Grand Concourse, said without immediate action from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be suspended starting Nov. 1. They said this would directly harm the 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP, including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans.

 

In addition, they said other anticipated federal cuts could cause nearly 2 million New Yorkers to lose health insurance, leave 3 million without food assistance, and force families to shoulder higher health care and service costs.

 

POTS staff and clients said they are already seeing the fear and confusion that comes with losing access to essential programs like SNAP. In response, the nonprofit is bolstering its services and advocacy efforts to help those most affected. POTS officials said the organization is adding additional pantry distributions to ensure families can continue to access nutritious food.

 

They said it is also partnering with local and statewide organizations to advocate for immediate federal action to restore support, and it is coordinating with community groups to identify and reach residents most at risk of losing access to food and healthcare.

 

“We see every day how fragile food security and access to care can be for our neighbors,” said Christina Hanson, executive director at POTS. “When federal support falters, our community steps up, but we cannot do it alone. We need both public action and local partnership to make sure no family is left hungry or without care.”

 

POTS officials are calling on community members, leaders, and partners to contact their elected officials and demand swift action to restore federal funding for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and HEAP.

 

On the same day, as reported, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $30 million in emergency food assistance funds amid the shutdown.

 

POTS recently received additional funding from the Office of State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33). More to follow.

 

For more information or to contribute, visit www.potsbronx.org.