As it remained unclear on Saturday, Nov. 8, if SNAP benefit payments would be released by the federal government by Sunday, Nov. 9, following various federal court rulings, Northwest Bronx Indivisible launched a food appeal for food donations to counter the effect of recent SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] cuts. Northwest Bronx Indivisible is a nonprofit organization that advocates and organizes for progressive causes and to advance social change.

“SNAP benefits are a crucial source of nutrition in The Bronx,” the group wrote. “According to the Food Bank of NYC, 40 to 50% of our Bronx population depends on this benefit, primarily children, seniors, and disabled persons. One in three Bronx residents is able to eat because of SNAP.”

 

The group said the proposed [federal] budget plans to reduce that number by imposing paperwork, work and recertification requirements that many recipients will be unable to document. “The crisis is about to explode,” they wrote. “Our neighbors need our help. Please consider donating to one of the many local organizations that are accepting food donations.”

 

The group also encouraged Bronx residents to join them at the Riverdale Y Sunday market where they said Northwest Bronx Indivisible, CD16/15 Indivisible, and Bend the Arc will be working with Art for Aid to collect money and food donations at the Farmer’s Market at St. Gabriel’s on Sunday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 23.

 

They said the money will be used to purchase food from the farmers at the market, and volunteers from the grassroots sponsors will then distribute the food to local pantries and friendly fridges. “Let’s unite to defend our community from the depredations of greedy politicians,” they wrote. “When you come to the market bring a non-perishable food item or a monetary donation, and let’s feed the hungry in need.”

 

Meanwhile, on Nov. 7, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert informing New Yorkers who receive SNAP benefits of their rights and warning them about businesses that have recently refused to accept SNAP benefits in their stores. She said grocery stores and other businesses in New York that are enrolled in the program have unlawfully prevented consumers from paying for food with their existing SNAP balances.

 

James sent cease-and-desist letters to grocery stores that have denied New Yorkers the ability to use their remaining SNAP benefits to pay for food, and is encouraging consumers to file complaints with her office about any business that is an approved SNAP retailer and refuses to honor consumers’ benefits.

 

“New Yorkers must be able to use their existing SNAP benefits – or food stamps – at any business that is part of the program,” James said. “Refusing to accept New Yorkers’ remaining SNAP balances puts already vulnerable New York families in greater danger of going hungry. While the federal administration continues to play political games, my office is taking action to ensure New Yorkers who receive SNAP can put food on the table.”

 

New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP receive their benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that allows them to pay for food at any business that has agreed to participate in the program. Current federal guidance states that consumers may continue to redeem the existing balance issued to their EBT card at any SNAP authorized retailer.

 

James said The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) was recently made aware of grocery stores that are unlawfully refusing to honor New Yorkers’ existing EBT balances, denying them the ability to purchase food with SNAP benefits. She said if New Yorkers are wrongfully denied the ability to use their EBT cards to purchase food when they have a balance remaining, they should tell store staff, “I have a balance on my EBT card and I am able to use it, and file a complaint with OAG identifying the business where they were denied.

 

The attorney general also sent cease-and-desist letters to grocery chains ShopRite and Hannaford informing them of their obligation to accept SNAP benefits after receiving reports of shoppers being denied the ability to pay with EBT cards. Both ShopRite and Hannaford are approved SNAP retailers who previously accepted EBT payments.

 

She said children and seniors make up nearly 60 percent of all SNAP recipients, and well over a million veterans also receive SNAP benefits each year. In New York alone, she said SNAP serves nearly three million people, including nearly one million children and over 600,000 older adults. She said around 7 percent of New York SNAP recipients are disabled, and this past year, New Yorkers received approximately $650 million in SNAP benefits each month.

 

As reported, on Sept. 28, the attorney general and a coalition of 25 other attorneys general and governors across the country sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) after the agency announced that it would suspend November SNAP benefits because of the federal government shutdown, jeopardizing food assistance for more than 40 million people nationwide.

 

On Oct. 31, James and the coalition won a court order requiring the federal government to use contingency funds to partially fund SNAP. On Nov. 6, a federal judge ruled the administration must fully fund SNAP benefits nationwide.

 

On Nov. 8, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced, “I’ve just directed state agencies to fully fund federal SNAP benefits for November. President Trump’s actions have been senseless and un-American. I’ll never stop fighting for New York’s families.”

 

Meanwhile, Northwest Bronx Indivisible said their table will be open at the Riverdale Y Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Netherland Avenue off of 235th Street on Nov. 16 and Nov. 23. They said the Riverdale Y Sunday Market champions local small farmers, food producers, craftspeople, and artists. It is open Sundays throughout the year, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Norwood News was initially advised that the market is located in the parking lot of St. Gabriel Church.

 

We were later advised that entry to Riverdale Presbyterian Church is at 4765 Henry Hudson Pkwy W, Bronx, NY 10471, and that the church can be reached at (718) 543-1011. Norwood News is seeking clarification as to the actual location of the market and will update this story upon receipt of such clarification. We were also advised that donations can be dropped off in “the cart” in the sanctuary on Sundays and that only non-perishable food with a six-month shelf life will be accepted.

Northwest Bronx Indivisible reminded residents who can’t make it to the market that there is also a list of local organizations accepting food donations. More help is also available here.

 

Read more on recent SNAP developments here and here and here.