Why SNAP Remains Essential

September 17th | Ciara O’Brien

Recent federal legislation has shifted major financial responsibility from the federal government onto states. For the first time in SNAP’s history, states will be required to pay a share of SNAP benefit costs based on unintentional paperwork and administrative errors, known as payment error rates.

What This Means for New York

Starting as soon as October 2027, states will be required to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefit costs. For the state of New York, this is projected to cost $1.1 billion. Without the time and resources to improve systems and accuracy, states could be pushed into tough trade-offs, such as reducing or limiting SNAP eligibility or raising taxes for residents.

Long Island Cares stands with Feeding America in asking for a 2-year delayed implementation of the SNAP Cost-Shift. This will allow states more time to reduce SNAP payment error rates and ensure that the program can remain fully operational. Without thoughtful implementation, vulnerable groups such as families, seniors, veterans, and children are put at risk of increased food insecurity.

Food Banks and SNAP: Not Interchangeable

Food banks cannot fil the gap of SNAP. For every 1 meal food banks provide, SNAP provides 9.
When families can reliably access food, children learn better, adults work more consistently, and communities grow stronger. Long Island Cares will continue to advocate for the protection and strengthening of SNAP and other federal nutrition programs that help our neighbors keep food on the table.

Take Action

Call your representatives using the call script below and ask that they support a two-year delay of the SNAP cost shift.