Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients’ benefits from theft and that new, more secure chip-based cards will be issued beginning early in 2027.

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) recently finalized a contract with a vendor to provide the cards, which are expected to greatly limit theft of benefits by criminals using illegal “skimming” devices.

“We are committed to protecting New Yorkers from benefit theft and modernizing our EBT system is the most effective tool we have to prevent heartless criminals from preying on some of our most vulnerable residents,” Governor Hochul said. “As the federal administration continues to undermine efforts to address food insecurity and hunger, New York remains focused on uplifting families and ensuring they have the help they need to put food on the table.”

Fidelity Information Services, LLC (FIS) will provide the new cards, which utilize chip technology that is standard with commercial debit and credit cards. The Federal Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, which is used nationally to distribute and use SNAP benefits, only recently gained the ability to accept chip cards. The new cards will begin being issued to recipients in the first quarter of 2027.

The Governor directed OTDA earlier this year to implement this priority as quickly as possible. OTDA proactively issued a request for proposals for a new EBT card vendor capable of providing cards with chips that are more secure than the existing cards – to be prepared to transition once funding was secured.

New York is one of just a handful of states transitioning to secure, chip-based EBT card technology. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, five states have already issued chip cards and five more states, including New York, are in progress.

The funding to support the transition was included by the Governor and the Legislature in the FY 2027 Budget. About two million new cards are expected to be issued.

OTDA recently began outreach to retailers and financial institutions encouraging them to make sure their systems and equipment are updated to accept the new EBT chip cards before the end of the year, so that they can continue accepting SNAP benefits as payment when the new cards are issued.

EBT cardholders will be notified before their new card is issued.

There has been increased awareness in recent years of the use of skimming devices to capture recipients’ card information and PIN, with criminals using skimmed information to access accounts and steal the recipients’ benefits before recipients have a chance to spend them. However, the federal government stopped funding replacement benefits at the end of 2024 for SNAP recipients who had their benefits stolen and the Trump Administration has refused to consider reauthorizing such replacement.

The new EBT cards, which are also used by Public Assistance recipients to access their benefits, will be virtually impervious to skimming, helping safeguard the dollars that New Yorkers depend on to feed their families.

OTDA has worked steadily toward transitioning to the use of EBT chip cards to help protect recipients’ benefits from electronic theft, while taking steps to raise awareness and encouraging recipients to do what they can to protect their benefits. EBT cardholders can help protect their benefits by using the freeze/unfreeze card feature in the ebtEDGE mobile app or online cardholder portal. They can also choose to block online and out-of-state purchases.

OTDA, local departments of social services, or the EBT card provider will never contact clients asking for EBT information. EBT cardholders should never give their EBT card information in response to emails, text messages, or phone calls. Thieves can use this information to access your account and spend your SNAP and cash benefits.

Resources to assist the public with information about EBT scams and how to protect their benefits can be found at otda.ny.gov/ebtscam.

NYS Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “County social services departments across New York strongly support the transition to chip-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer cards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This upgrade is a practical and necessary step to strengthen program integrity, reduce fraud, and ensure that benefits reach the individuals and families who truly need them. As local administrators of SNAP, we see firsthand the importance of modernizing our systems to keep pace with evolving threats while maintaining efficient access for recipients. Governor Hochul’s leadership in launching this initiative reflects a commitment to good government—one that balances accountability with service. At a time when recent changes to federal funding formulas have increased fiscal challenges for localities, investments like this help safeguard public resources and reinforce confidence in the program.”

American Legion in Lyndonville making its trolley available for fair

Photo by Tom Rivers: The American Legion in Lyndonville gives veterans a ride on a trolley during the July 4th parade.

Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – Visitors attending the 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair will have a new and convenient way to travel between the general parking area and the fairgrounds.

Thanks to the generosity of American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603, a tram will be available to transport fairgoers to and from the Taylor Hill Road parking lot and the main fairgrounds. The new service is intended to make arrival and departure easier and more comfortable for families, older adults, and anyone who may need a little extra help getting between their vehicle and the fair.

GO ART! will staff the tram daily from 4 to 8 p.m., with trips approximately every 15 minutes. During other fair hours, tram service will be available upon request.

All general visitor parking will be located in the Taylor Hill Road parking lot. The tram will travel through the lot and pick up and drop off passengers along every other parking row. On the fairgrounds, passengers will be picked up and dropped off near the green bathroom.

Parking on Wood Road will be limited to exhibitors and their families. General fair visitors should plan to enter and park using the Taylor Hill Road lot and follow the directions of parking attendants and posted signs.

A limited number of wheelchairs, wagons and strollers will also be available to sign out free of charge from the Sensory Room located in the Education Center. Transportation assistance devices will be available on a first come, first served basis and should be returned after use so they remain available for other fairgoers.

The Orleans County 4-H Fair is grateful to American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 for providing the tram and to GO ART! for helping staff this new service. Their support will help make the fairgrounds more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

The 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair will take place July 27 through Aug. 1 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Stawicki – Some ducks were out enjoying the sunrise on Glenwood Lake in Medina this morning while the sun came up.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Orleans County and Western New York on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In Orleans County, the high temperature is forecast to reach 94 degrees with heat index values as high as 105.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the Weather Service advised. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

Today is forecast to reach 90 degrees, followed by highs of 94 on Tuesday, 90 on Wednesday, 88 on Thursday, 84 on Friday and 85 on Saturday.