As the expiration date of the Farm Bill looms on September 30th, it's crucial to understand the importance of this legislation, particularly its role in authorizing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For 1.8 million New Yorkers, SNAP is not just a program—it’s a lifeline that ensures families have access to healthy food and nutritious meals.

SNAP in New York City: The Numbers

• 560,000 children in New York City rely on SNAP to help their families put food on the table.
• Older Adults (60+) represent 30% (530,000) of total SNAP recipients in our city.

These figures highlight the vital role SNAP plays in our community, supporting some of our most vulnerable populations: children and older adults.

The Threat of SNAP Cuts

Recently, the House Committee on Agriculture released a draft version of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (Farm Bill). This draft proposes the elimination of one of the two mechanisms for readjusting SNAP benefits. If enacted, this change would slash approximately $30 billion from SNAP benefits over the next decade. The consequences of such cuts would be devastating, drastically reducing support for the tens of millions of people in this country who are already struggling against hunger, especially during a time of increasing food insecurity.

The Impact on Local Economies

SNAP is not only essential for individuals and families; it also supports local and regional food businesses and economies. In 2023, the NYC Department of Social Services issued approximately $5 billion in SNAP benefits, with more than $3 million of these benefits redeemed at farmers markets. Local supermarkets and bodegas, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, rely on customers using SNAP funds. The USDA estimates that every $1 billion spent in SNAP benefits increases GDP by $1.79 billion, supporting 13,560 jobs and creating $32 million in farm income​.

Protecting the Thrifty Food Plan

The Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to set SNAP benefits, is vital for ensuring that benefit levels reflect current nutritional guidelines and market conditions. The last Farm Bill created a necessary pathway to update this plan every 5 years. However, the proposed cuts would eliminate these updates, preventing necessary adjustments and resulting in $30 billion less in SNAP benefits over the next decade​.

At GrowNYC, we are deeply committed to fighting food insecurity and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to nutritious food. That's why we are one of more than 1,400 organizations that have signed a letter urging Congress to protect and strengthen SNAP. 

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