With more than 155,000 residents across the Finger Lakes and Western New York facing a sudden halt in food assistance, Foodlink is stepping up with a massive emergency response.
The Rochester-based nonprofit announced Friday that it will inject over $1.5 million in additional food into the regional emergency system during November and December — a 150% increase over this time last year — to help offset the impact of paused Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
“While we can’t fully replace the support SNAP provides, we’re doing everything we can to respond to the urgent need we’re seeing across the region,” said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink.
A surge in need and a scramble for help
The pause in SNAP benefits, which starts November 1, has driven a surge in demand for food assistance. Visits to Foodlink’s “Find Food” webpage have tripled in October compared to the same time last year — with more traffic this past week alone than in the previous three combined.
Local agencies are already feeling the pressure.
“Every day, we’re seeing more families — many for the first time — turn to us in search of food and hope,” said Robert Williams of the Open Door Mission. “Our partnership with Foodlink is absolutely critical right now.”
Foodlink is working with more than 200 pantries and meal programs to distribute the increased supply. Pop-up pantries are also being added, especially in rural areas.
Resources and how to get help
Those seeking help can visit FoodlinkNY.org/findfood for a searchable map of local food resources. Foodlink also launched a new “SNAP Line” at 585-413-5091 and is offering guidance through email at [email protected].
Recipients concerned about their eligibility can use a screening tool created by TogetherNow to see how recent rule changes affect them. New federal work requirements are expected to disqualify even more people from SNAP in the coming months, pushing the need even higher into 2026.
How the public can help
Foodlink is asking for donations to its Crisis Response Fund, which helps the organization quickly buy and distribute food. Monetary donations are most effective, but food donations are also welcomed at participating local pantries.
Residents can also advocate by contacting federal lawmakers and sharing their stories through the Our Voices, Our Power campaign.
Community partners step up
Major support has come from groups like Wegmans, the United Way, and the Rochester Area Community Foundation. The Wegmans Family Foundation committed $1 million to strengthen Foodlink’s infrastructure as the crisis unfolds.
“Wegmans and Foodlink have been side by side in the fight against hunger for nearly 50 years,” said Deana Percassi, VP of Community Engagement & Communications for Wegmans. “We’re committed to helping communities through this crisis and beyond.”
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