New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency in response to the Trump administration stripping food assistance from 3 million New Yorkers come Saturday.

As the federal government shutdown continues, the administration has refused to release billions in statutorily approved federal contingency funding that would address this crisis in states across the nation. By refusing to release this contingency funding, the federal government is leaving millions of New Yorkers without critical assistance they rely on to feed themselves and their families.

“The Trump Administration is cutting food assistance off for three million New Yorkers, leaving our state to face an unprecedented public health crisis and hurting our grocers, bodegas and farmers along the way,” Governor Hochul said. “Unlike Washington Republicans, I won’t sit idly by as families struggle to put food on the table. Today, I’m declaring a state of emergency and am committing additional state funds for emergency food assistance to ensure New Yorkers don’t go hungry. Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have the power to stop this crisis — millions of families depend on it.”

While Washington refuses to act to avert this crisis, Hochul is stepping up by committing an additional $65 million in new State funds for emergency food assistance that will reinforce New York’s network of vital food bank and pantry partners and provide about 40 million meals to hungry New Yorkers. The governor is also deploying Empire State Service Corps and SUNY Corps Members to support local food banks during this emergency period of increased need, and continuing to explore food hubs at schools.

“The federal government’s refusal to release emergency food assistance will have devastating consequences for families already struggling to make ends meet. Access to nutritious food is a fundamental public health necessity — it affects everything from childhood development to chronic disease prevention,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State Health Department is working closely with food banks, local health departments and community organizations to ensure no New Yorker goes hungry during this crisis. These actions reflect our shared commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.”

Since the inception of the program, SNAP benefits have been federally funded. New York administers approximately $650 million per month in federally funded SNAP benefits to nearly 3 million New Yorkers. Given the scale of the program, Hochul along with governors across the country have repeatedly emphasized that no state government can replace SNAP benefits or backfill the program.

The announcement brings:

— $65 million in new State funds for programs that support food banks, pantries, soup kitchens and more to provide emergency food assistance to New Yorkers.

— $40 million in new funding for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides emergency food relief and nutrition services to food-insecure populations. HPNAP works in partnership with a network of about 2,700 Emergency Food Providers (EFPs), including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.

— $25 million in new funding for Nourish NY, which supplies surplus agricultural products (e.g., milk, apples, cheese, yogurt, cabbage, squash) to populations who need them through the State’s network of food relief organizations (i.e., regional food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and community-based organizations that provide food for free to persons experiencing food insecurity).

Currently, hundreds of SUNY students serve as peer navigators, helping fellow students complete SNAP applications and assisting at campus and local food pantries.

The Empire State Service Corps will allow current members to expand their paid hours, enabling them to provide greater support at food pantries statewide. In addition, new short-term crisis response positions will be created to assist food pantries and food banks facing staffing shortages.

Today’s announcement comes as New York, along with 24 other states, sued the Trump administration on Tuesday to demand the release of emergency SNAP funds. The governor also joined a letter alongside 20 other governors to the President, calling for the Administration to reverse course and release emergency SNAP funds. Hochul also fast-tracked $41 million in state funds for emergency food assistance earlier this week — today’s announcement brings the total of allocated state funds to $106 million.

“No student should have to choose between focusing on their education and worrying about their next meal,” New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said. “In response to the recent cuts to SNAP benefits, our agencies are coming together to make sure no student is left behind. This is a team effort, working hand in hand with our partners in government, communities, and local organizations to build a safety net that ensures that hunger never stands in the way of learning and opportunity.”