CARMEL, NY – In swift, bipartisan action, the Putnam County Legislature voted unanimously, 9 to 0, on November 5 to approve an emergency proposal to support local food-assistance programs in response to the ongoing federal shutdown and the uncertain release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds to counties in New York State.

“While SNAP contingency funding has been approved, delays are still expected given the scale of the nationwide program— and they will have a negative impact on Putnam residents who rely on these benefits,” said Byrne. “Given this uncertainty, we’re stepping in alongside our not-for-profit partners to provide relief to those in need while maintaining the highest standards of accountability in the process.”

There are approximately 2,900 SNAP-eligible individuals in Putnam County, including nearly 950 seniors.

Recognizing the potential hardship for local families, Byrne and his administration spent the past two weeks meeting with nonprofit partners to coordinate an immediate response plan.

That plan, unveiled Friday and fast-tracked for legislative funding approval, was passed unanimously on November 5, ensuring county resources can be mobilized without delay.

“I’m grateful to the Legislature for moving quickly and unanimously to approve this emergency funding,” Byrne said. “This was a preventable crisis, but once again, Putnam County has shown that we can act decisively and work together to meet the needs of our residents.”

The Byrne administration’s plan includes:

• Enhanced Interagency Collaboration: Strengthened coordination between the Office for Senior Resources (OSR) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) to better assist SNAP-eligible seniors with emergency food purchases.
• Leveraging Existing OSR Programs: Utilizing established senior-support programs to meet increased demand among high-needs residents.
• Funding for Personnel Needs: Identifying resources to address staffing and overtime requirements for county employees administering emergency assistance.
• Financial Support for Local Partners:
• United Way of Westchester & Putnam – for continued grant support of all local food pantries.
• Putnam Community Action Partnership (CAP) – to assist SNAP-eligible families.
• Cornell Cooperative Extension and Second Chance Foods – to expand its Bountiful Meals program, which provides healthy, locally sourced meals to families in need.

“Leaders in Washington should re-open the government and negotiate their differences. In the meantime, we’re making sure no one in Putnam goes hungry,” Byrne said. “While others sit on their hands, we’re delivering solutions.”