Rockland County has a plan to spend up to $2 million on emergency food assistance by the end of November if the disruption in federal funding of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits continues. So far, $1 million has been allocated for the first phase running from Nov. 6 through 14 with another million set for a second phase if needed that would help people from Nov. 15 through 30.
The funding is being given to the Regional Food Bank, which serves Rockland and other counties. In Rockland, more than 19,000 households, comprised of 54,562 children and adults, typically receive monthly SNAP food aid.
“This is a coordinated, strategic, and immediate response,” said County Executive Ed Day. “This plan ensures food reaches the families most affected, supports our pantries, and strengthens the entire emergency food system across Rockland.”
Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. described the funding that was approved by the Legislature last week as a “stop-gap measure (that) will hopefully get us through the federal government shutdown.”
The first $1 million phase includes $700,000 allocated to 43 local pantries though the Regional Food Bank with the remaining $300,000 to be utilized for the Regional Food Bank to conduct distribution events countywide.
“We know how scary it can be not to know where your next meal is coming from,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of Regional Food Bank. “We want our neighbors to know we’re here to help. We will do our best to meet the need and are so grateful for the outpouring of support from Rockland County officials and individuals in the communities we serve for coming together to help our neighbors access the food they need at this time of unparalleled need.”
The first food distribution event during the first phase was held Nov. 6 at Clover Stadium in Pomona, where 20,000 pounds of food were given out, enough to serve approximately 375 households.
