NEW CITY, NY — In light of the ongoing federal government shutdown expected to cause a lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Nov. 1, the County of Rockland government and the towns of Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, Ramapo and Stony Point are asking residents to make a monetary donation to local food pantries.
With approximately 19,000 households that include 54,562 children and adults relying on SNAP benefits, pantries are expecting a wave of need if benefits lapse. All donations, money and food, will be provided to Rockland Community Against Hunger, which represents 40+ pantries.
According to the Regional Food Bank, every $1 donated to a local food pantry enables them to purchase $8 to $10 worth of food (4 meals) from the Regional Food Bank because of their access to donated or discounted food.
“County residents and community minded businesses are encouraged to join us in assisting our neighbors,” the county government said in an Oct. 30 statement. “Food pantry purchasing power can be significantly stronger than retail purchasing power, making monetary donations extremely critical at this time.”
To make a monetary donation click here.
Rockland Community Against Hunger steering committee will determine how donations are distributed within Rockland based on need & impact.
As food pantries and non-profits prepare for a sharp increase in families seeking assistance, volunteers will also be needed to help sort food donations, prepare packages, assist with distribution, help transport goods, and more.
Sign up to volunteer here.
In addition to urging monetary donations, the County of Rockland is launching a Countywide Food Drive in partnership with all five towns to support SNAP recipients and others facing food insecurity.
Donation bins will be available at the following locations:
- Robert L. Yeager Health Center Building A Lobby 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona
- Allison-Parris County Office Building 11 New Hempstead Road, New City
- Town of Clarkstown Town Hall 10 Maple Ave., New City
- Town of Haverstraw Town Hall 1 Rosman Road, Garnerville
- Town of Orangetown Town Hall 26 W. Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg
- Town of Ramapo Town Hall 237 Route 59, Suffern/Airmont
- Town of Stony Point Town Hall 74 East Main St., Stony Point
