East High students from Rochester see country life in Albion

Posted 1 May 2026 at 3:56 pm

Students from East High and Albion High School pose for a group photo on Thursday at Panek Farms in Albion.

Photos and press release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Students from East High School in Rochester recently enjoyed a full day of activities in Albion as part of a student exchange program to help challenge cultural stereotypes and promote understanding and friendships among teens of different backgrounds. Albion Interact Club members visited East High in April.

The day began with guest speaker Ayesha Kreutz addressing the over seventy students.

Kreutz is a nationally recognized activist, chaplain, author and organizational leader. She serves as Operations Director and Board Member of the Frederick Douglass Foundation and Frederick Douglass Freedom Alliance.

Kreutz appears on numerous national media platforms and has been invited to the White House many times in recognition of her work and influence.

Following a brief tour of the school, the teens visited community sites to “get a feel” for Orleans County.

Kathy Jurs and Kasey Neal of Poverty Hill Farms give students a tour of the cows at the dairt farm in Albion on Thursday.

Jody Neal and Kathy Jurs from Poverty Hill Farms explained the different aspects of the dairy farm industry. Students enjoyed seeing the life and “smells” of dairy cows and “touching them for the first time.”

From there they traveled down the road to Panek Farms. Jim Panek and his son Phil showed them a variety of large farm equipment and allowed the excited students to sit in the cabs of tractors, combines, and tractor trailers.

Following lunch and games at Dubby’s, the day culminated with a trip to Mt. Albion Cemetery to climb up the 68-foot tower for an aerial view of the community.

“We had a great time with the Albion students,” East High teacher Laura Delehanty said. “Our students have gained a greater respect and appreciation for their Albion peers.”

(Left) Jim Panek shows students some of the farm equipment at Panek Farms. (Right) Students were welcomed to climb inside a combine.

Jody Neal showed East High students around the farm, including a barn for the calves.

Tim Archer, Interact Club advisor for Albion, introduces Ayesha Kreutz, the guest speaker who addressed the group of abut 70 students.

Medina completes milling 3 streets, could start paving next week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2026 at 11:40 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A crew from Suit-Kote Corporation mills Ohio Street on Tuesday morning, the street where Medina Memorial Hospital is located.

Suit-Kote also milled parts of Park Avenue and West Avenue this week, and could do paving on the three streets next week if the weather cooperates.

“Whenever we get a stretch of good weather in the next week or so we will be paving those streets back,” said Jason Watts, superintendent of the Village of Medina Department of Public Works.

The village is doing these milling and paving projects now, and could add more since it knows its CHIPS funding in the new state budget. Watts said he expects Keeler Construction of Barre will do more milling and paving in the village after Medina’s road construction funding is known.

This photo shows Park Avenue being blocked to traffic near Pine Street Park on Tuesday after the top layer of asphalt was removed.

Agencies collaborate to honor veteran at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Posted 1 May 2026 at 9:44 am

Photos courtesy of Hospice of Orleans: Veteran James Freas presents a Certificate of Commendation to Robert Stalker.

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans

From left include Katherine Douville, Hospice of Orleans RN; Randy LeBaron, Hospice of Orleans Spiritual Care & Bereavement Counselor; Robert Stalker; and Deanna Maxwell, Hospice Social Worker.

MEDINA – Hospice of Orleans remains deeply committed to making every moment matter. This week, that mission took center stage as the organization had the distinct privilege of honoring Mr. Bob Stalker, a hospice patient and veteran currently receiving care at the Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina.

In a beautiful display of community collaboration, the care team worked closely with Nikolas Mroz, Director of the Veteran Services Agency, to coordinate a formal recognition ceremony. It was an honor to have Jim Freas of the Medina VFW and Honor Guard lead the presentation, offering a sincere salute and gratitude for Mr. Stalker’s dedicated military service.

The leadership and staff at Orchard Rehabilitation went above and beyond to make the day memorable. By hosting a celebration complete with a custom cake and inviting fellow residents, they ensured Mr. Stalker felt the full warmth of the community’s appreciation.

“Bob was thrilled. He invited his cousins who were able to attend and join in on the festivities, and it was moving to see a whole table of his fellow veteran residents, and others there to support him. Everyone truly enjoyed the afternoon,” shared Randy LeBaron, Hospice of Orleans Spiritual Care & Bereavement Counselor.

A moment this special is only possible through partnership. Hospice of Orleans extends its sincerest thanks to the Veteran’s Services Agency for their coordination and support, Mr. Jim Freas for his presentation and Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their hospitality and enthusiasm in celebrating one of our county’s heroes. It is a great honor to serve those who have served us all.

Hospice of Orleans is a leading provider of end-of-life care in Orleans County. Its team of experienced nurses and caregivers is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to those facing life-limiting illnesses.

For more information, visit hospiceoforleans.org or call (585) 589-0809

Robert Stalker is joined by his cousins Eric Ambrose, Eileen Ambrose and Anita Jones.

Tenney says district will benefit from new Farm Bill that passes House

Posted 1 May 2026 at 8:56 am

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Thursday applauded House passage of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, legislation that strengthens support for American farmers, bolsters rural communities, and reinforces agriculture as a core component of national security.

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act (Farm Bill) reauthorizes key U.S. Department of Agriculture programs through 2031, modernizes farm policy, and strengthens the agriculture safety net to help producers navigate rising costs, market uncertainty, and supply chain disruptions.

The legislation includes major investments in conservation, crop insurance, rural development, and agricultural research, while promoting U.S. exports and reducing regulatory burdens. It also enhances oversight of foreign ownership of American farmland and reinforces agriculture as a national security priority.

As part of the bill, Congresswoman Tenney secured adoption of her Fairness in Vineyard Data Act, which requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to produce a comprehensive report on national grape production. The report will include detailed data on total acreage, production levels, utilization, acreage by grape type and variety, as well as county-level breakdowns and planting timelines. This data will provide greater transparency and market insight for our viticulturists, including those in the Finger Lakes region, and allow USDA to better support our vineyards.

“House Republicans are backing the farmers and ranchers who feed, fuel, and sustain this country,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This Farm Bill delivers real support for producers facing rising costs and uncertainty, while strengthening the tools they need to manage risk and stay competitive.

“In districts like mine, where agriculture drives our economy, this legislation helps ensure our farmers and family farms can continue to grow, hire, and invest in their communities. It also takes important steps to protect American farmland from foreign adversaries, such as the CCP, and reinforces that agriculture is national security. This legislation puts our farmers first and makes sure the United States remains a global leader in food production.”

Cub Scouts welcome Kendall, Holley elementary kids for model boat race on May 16

Posted 1 May 2026 at 8:47 am

Press Release, Cub Scout Pack 3094 in Kendall

KENDALL – On Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m., Cub Scout Pack 3094 will host a community-wide family event, opening participation to Kendall and Holley Elementary School students.

Families will design, build, and race small tamarin-style sail boats to race down rain gutters. The Pack is collecting registrants now to prepare boat kits for a group building night on Thursday May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kendall Methodist Church.

On race day, in a double-elimination style competition, children will race at least twice to compete for the first, second and third place medal.

John Heeks, Kendall Cub Master, says the Pack is looking for new members and believes events like the Regatta bring the community together for fun, outdoor learning – a cornerstone of Scout programming.

“The (Rain Gutter) Regatta is one of my family’s favorite Cub Scout events,” said Heeks.

He adds that the Pack hopes to bring the neighboring townships’ children together.

Heeks and his son joined Cub Scouts in 2024. Heeks took over the role of Cub Master in 2025 where he and Den Leaders have led the Pack in other events like group Campouts and the beloved Pinewood Derby.

For more information on Cub Scout Pack 3094, click here.

Community Action faces ‘urgent challenges’ amidst funding cuts

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 May 2026 at 8:14 am

Provided photos: From left, Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and CAOG’s Weatherization manager Jeff Atwell met in Albany to advocate for HEAP funding for the Weatherization program.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, like many agencies, is navigating significant uncertainty and difficult funding realities, according to executive director Renee Hungerford.

“Coping with cuts to programming has required thoughtful prioritization, creativity and constant communication with the people we serve,” Hungerford said. “Our focus has been on protecting core services as much as possible while being transparent about what changes mean in real terms. It’s not just an operational challenge, it’s about supporting individuals and families through disruption while ensuring staff are not carrying that burden alone.

“Over the past several months, advocacy itself has become a significant part of this work. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time writing letters and testimony traveling to Washington and Albany and engaging directly with elected officials. While this advocacy is essential, it necessarily pulls time and capacity away from other critical agency responsibilities – and that is a reality many community organizations are grappling with right now.”

Hungerford continued to say, “At the same time, we are beginning to see that sustained advocacy does make a difference. This week’s release of GSBG funding by OMB is an encouraging step and a reminder that collective voices matter. This is the power of what our elected officials, from both sides of the house, can accomplish when working together for the things that matter most.

“However, we are still facing urgent challenges. The removal of Weatherization Assistance Program funding from New York State’s HEAP budget has serious implications for households who rely on these services to remain safe and stable. Weatherization has live-changing impacts, particularly for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.

“All of this is happening at a time when funding has been cut, resources are stretched thin and reductions to SNAP and Medicaid have driven need to unprecedented levels. Added to this, increased prices have made basic needs unreachable for many. In the midst of that, I have been deeply moved by the response of our community. We have seen an outpouring of generosity – from donations to volunteer support – often offered quietly and anonymously.”

Hungerford also expressed her sincere gratitude to their staff.

“They continue to show up every day and fight for people who often do not have a voice,” she said. “The work is hard and the environment is stressful, yet their dedication never wavers. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing team we have at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee and for their commitment to our mission of helping individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency.”

Community Action’s executive director Renee Hungerford, fourth from the left, met recently with colleagues from the New York State Community Action Association in Washington, D.C.

Historical Society presentation focuses on Medina hospital experience – before computers and corporations

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 May 2026 at 7:27 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Reinhard Rogowski, president of the Medina Historical Society, and Barbara Hancock look at a display by Erica Waneceski depicting how things were in hospitals years ago.

Erica Waneceski explains how an old blood pressure cuff worked.

MEDINA – The final meeting of the Medina Historical Society for spring took place Monday night at the Medina Senior Center. The meeting place was changed because of the library being closed for construction.

Guest speaker was Erica Waneceski of Medina, who once studied to be a physician assistant. She gave a presentation on “The Medina Hospital Experience, BC,” before corporations, consortiums and computers.

She displayed a large selection of gadgets, equipment and clothing used decades ago. These included charts written by hand, a surgeon’s coat, a student nurse’s uniform, an early blood pressure cuff, a kit to draw blood and a variety of bed pans, all made of metal, as opposed to today’s which are plastic.

Orleans County historian Catherine Cooper produced a photograph of a nursing class which included Marian Vail, a longtime nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital.

“Things have really changed,” Waneceski said. “We used to have to sterilize bed pans by hand, isolation techniques are different, EEG’s were recorded on paper (not computers) and blood pressure cuffs had rows of snaps, instead of Velcro.”

Waneceski remembers reading the first article about CAT scans in 1975.

She also shared how in older days, nurses always gave patients a back rub in the evening. They don’t do that anymore, she said.

That was the Medina Historical Society’s last meeting until September. Cooper reminded the audience the Historical Society on West Avenue is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Saturday of every month through the summer.

Tim and Catherine Cooper, left, chat with Sue Jannick at Monday night’s meeting of Medina Historical Society, at which Erica Wanieski gave a presentation on working in a hospital before computers. Jannick spent 47 years as a medical transcriptionist, which now is considered “a dinosaur.”

Leader of Orleans Community Health to receive ‘Excellence in Health Care Award’

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 April 2026 at 9:05 pm

Provided photos: (Left) Marc Shurtz presides over an internal town hall meeting at Orleans Community Health, one of his many duties as CEO/CIO. (Right) Marc Shurtz and Jody Stack, director of Nutritional Services, pose with the cake commemorating Orleans Community Health’s 100th anniversary last year.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is proud to announce the selection of Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO, as a recipient of the 2026 Buffalo Business First Excellence in Health Care Award.

The award recognizes healthcare professionals and leaders across Western New York who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to improving healthcare within their communities. Shurtz will be recognized alongside fellow honorees during the Excellence in Health Care Awards celebration on June 17.

Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health

Shurtz has served as CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health for the past six years and has worked in the healthcare field for more than 11 years. Since stepping into the role of CEO/CIO in 2020, after previously serving as chief information officer and corporate compliance officer, he has helped guide Orleans Community Health through executive transition, operational challenges and strategic growth, while maintaining a strong focus on preserving access to local healthcare services.

As CEO/CIO, Shurtz provides executive leadership for the organization while overseeing strategic technology and operational direction. His work includes guiding system-wide priorities, collaborating with organizational leadership and community stakeholders and supporting the expansion of healthcare services. His leadership combines strategic planning and operational oversight with a visible and deeply community-centered approach.

Over the past several years, Shurtz has helped lead several transformative initiatives at Orleans Community Health. Under his leadership, the organization advanced the Medina Healthcare Center project through successful community fundraising efforts and the securing of a $1.88 million New York State grant. He has also He has also supported the continued growth of outpatient and specialty services and worked to strengthen workforce recruitment and retention efforts and through a significant labor agreement focused on workforce stability. In addition, his leadership played an important role in honoring Medina Memorial Hospital’s 100-year legacy in 2025, while helping position the organization for the future.

Jeannie Wodo, director of IT Services at Orleans Community Health, submitted the nomination recognizing Shurtz for the award.

“Marc leads with both vision and heart,” Wodo said. “His dedication to preserving and strengthening rural healthcare is evident in every decision he makes. He has helped move important projects forward while remaining deeply committed to the people who rely on Orleans Community Health every day. His leadership inspires those around him and continues to make a meaningful difference throughout our community.”

Beyond his executive leadership responsibilities, Shurtz serves on the Orleans Community Health Foundation Board, Medina Area Partnership and the Audit committee of HANYS, and actively participates in community volunteer efforts.

“What makes rural healthcare so important is the direct impact it has on families, neighbors and entire communities,” Shurtz said. “It is truly an honor to receive this recognition from Buffalo Business First, but this award reflects the dedication of our entire team at Orleans Community Health. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and help ensure quality healthcare remains close to home for future generations.”

The Buffalo Business First Excellence in Health Care Awards celebrate individuals whose leadership, service and commitment are helping shape the future of healthcare throughout the region. Shurtz is the second recipient from Orleans Community Health to be honored by Buffalo Business First. He joins Rhonda Woody, who was recognized in 2023.

Rams use fast start to top Tigers and go to 8-0

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 April 2026 at 9:01 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Gavin Heideman slides into second base under the tag of Akron’s Jackson Schlabach during the Rams win over the Tigers at Vets Park this evening.

Scoring 5 quick runs in the first inning, front-running Roy-Hart went on to shutout Akron 10-0 at Vets Park this evening to improve to 8-0 in Niagara-Orleans League baseball competition.

A two-run double by RJ Townsend highlighted the decisive first inning for the Rams which also included RBI singles by winning pitcher Evan Poeller and Will Bundrock, a single by John Brigham and an RBI sacrifice fly by Isaac Smith.

Smith latter capped off the Rams win with a two-run homer in the fifth inning.

Poeller hurled the first 4 innings scattering 4 hits and striking out 7.

Akron left the bases loaded in both of the first two innings as Poeller registered clutch strikeouts to get out of the jams.

Roy-Hart next hosts runner-up Medina (5-0) in a key game at 4:45 p.m. Friday.

N-O Standings
Roy-Hart 8-0, Medina 5-0, Barker 4-4, Albion 2-3, Akron 2-4, Newfane 1-5, Wilson 1-7.

Roy-Hart’s Evan Poeller delivers a pitch as Akron’s Hunter Haist takes off for second base. Poeller notched clutch strikeouts to get out of bases loaded jams in both the first and second innings.

Medina Rotary’s meat raffle proceeds will boost scholarships

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 April 2026 at 8:50 pm

Provided photo: A crowd filled Ridgeway Fire Hall on April 25 for a meat raffle to benefit Medina Rotary’s Scholarship Fund.

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary’s recent fundraiser will result in one or two Medina High School seniors receiving financial aid to further their education.

According to event chair Cindy Hewitt, the meat raffle held April 25 at Ridgeway Fire Hall was a success and will support the Medina Rotary Scholarship Fund. Approximately 100 people attended the raffle for fun and giving back, as well as the opportunity to win meat.

The event was hosted in partnership with Western New York Meat Raffles, with meat prizes sourced from the Market in the Square in Tonawanda.

The fund provides scholarships to students planning to enter college or a trade school.

Students still have time to apply for a scholarship this school year. The deadline in June 1, and applications can be completed online by logging on to https://www.medinarotary.org/medina-rotary-scholarship/, then clicking on “Medina Rotary Scholarship” and “Application.”

“The Medina Rotary Club extends its sincere thanks to its event sponsors and to the entire community for their continued support of Rotary fundraisers,” Hewitt said.

The next Rotary fundraiser will be their annual “Ribs and Ribs BBQ” on May 16 at Medina Lanes, drive-thru only. Tickets are available at Main Liquor, Art Hill Excavating or from any Medina Rotarian.

The next meat raffle has been scheduled for March 6, 2027.

Gowanda scores lacrosse win over Medina

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 April 2026 at 8:27 pm

Building up an 11-1 half-time advantage, Gowanda went on to down visiting Medina 18-4 in a D Division lacrosse game this evening.

Gavin Dahlhaus had 2 goals for Medina as Jobi Wheeler and Deven Byrne each had 1. Dahlhaus and Clayton Wagner also both had an assist.

N-O Tennis
Akron 3, Medina 2
Akron edged Medina 3-2 in a Niagara-Orleans League tennis match this afternoon as Whitley Koopman won at first singles for the Tigers.

Talia Rupp won at second singles for Medina which also got a victory by the doubles team of Levon Fuller and Eli Biesinger.

In another N-O match Wilson downed Albion 4-1.

Albion hands Akron first N-O softball loss

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 April 2026 at 8:17 pm

Avenging an early season 9-0 loss, Albion knocked Akron from the ranks of the unbeaten by posting an 8-7 Niagara-Orleans League softball victory this afternoon.

Breaking away from a 3-3 tie, Albion rallied into the lead for good by scoring three times in the fifth inning on a single by Aubrielle Barry, a fielders choice play and three errors.

The Purple Eagles had also scored three runs in the third inning on an error and singles by Bailey Hickman, Melia Prince and Lux Froman.

Albion later added what proved to be the decisive two runs in the sixth inning on a single by Aaliyah Jones, an RBI double by Kaitlin Bennett and a ground out.

Akron made the finish exciting by rallying for 4 runs in the top of the seventh inning with two outs on four walks and an error.

Albion is now 2-4 and Akron 4-1 in N-O competition.

Barker 11, Newfane 5
Pounding out 16 hits, Barker downed Newfane 11-5 to improve to 6-1 and move into a slender N-O lead.

Kaylee Stoll and Elise Monaco both had 3 hits for Barker as Peyton Bradley, Lexi Brazzell, Fallyn Mescall and Aina Davis each had 2.

Trailing 4-2, Barker took the lead for good by scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the third inning on a double by Monaco, singles by Brazzell and Stoll and a passed ball.

Keeping the momentum, Barker increased its lead to 9-4 by scoring 4 times in the fourth inning on an RBI double by Monaco, a two-run single by Stoll and an RBI single by Brazzell.

Madyson Flint earned the win in the circle scattering 5 hits and striking out 16.

N-O Standings
Barker 6-1, Wilson 5-1, Akron 4-1, Roy-Hart 2-2, Albion 2-4, Newfane 1-6, Medina 0-5.

Barker and Akron split in N-O track

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 April 2026 at 8:14 pm

Improving to 3-1, Barker downed Akron 100-31 in a Niagara-Orleans League boys track meet this afternoon.

Barker had a quartet of individual event double winners including Donovan Hefferon (100, 200), Gabe Nestoros (1600, 3200), Luke Fay (400, 800) and Anthony Taliaferro (High Jump, Triple Jump).

Gaining a split on the day the Akron girls defeated Barker 113-28 to stay unbeaten at 3-0.

Madigan Regan was a triple winner for Akron in the 100, 200 and 400.

Golf
Kendall 203, Holley 264
Kendall bested rival Holley 203-264 to improve to 4-3 in Genesee Region League golf competition.

Michael Leasure took medalist honors for Kendall with a 48 as Austin LaMay added a 51 and Gavin Husereau and Chris Sce 52’s.

County leaders across NYS ask for federal delay on SNAP cost shift

Posted 30 April 2026 at 4:15 pm

Orleans County faces $252,000 financial hit from change

Press Release, New York State Association of Counties

ALBANY – The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), joined by county leaders from across the state and representatives from the anti-hunger community, today called on Congress to delay implementation of a major federal cost shift to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), warning it will strain local budgets and threaten food access for millions of New Yorkers.

The call came during a virtual press conference featuring NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario, NYSAC President and Oswego County Administrator Philip Church, Onondaga County Executive and New York State County Executives’ Association President Ryan McMahon, and leaders from the Regional Food Bank and Island Harvest.

The appeal follows changes enacted in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which reduces the federal share of SNAP administrative funding from 50 percent to 25 percent beginning October 1, 2026. In New York, where counties administer the program, this change is expected to impose at least $168 million in new annual costs for counties and New York City. (Editor’s Note: The impact to Orleans County would be $252,000 annually.)

County leaders are urging Congress to delay the cost shift to allow time for states and local governments to prepare for the significant operational and fiscal impacts.

“New York is unique in the nation in that counties are charged with delivering SNAP benefits to nearly 3 million New Yorkers, and this abrupt federal cost shift threatens our ability to do that effectively,” Acquario said. “We are asking Congress for a reasonable, bipartisan solution—a two-year delay—so counties can plan, build capacity, and continue serving residents without disruption.”

Acquario noted that the urgency of the issue is underscored by recent experience. During the federal government shutdown late last year, disruptions to SNAP benefits led to immediate spikes in demand at food banks across the state, highlighting the program’s critical role in preventing hunger and stabilizing communities.

Philip Church, NYSAC President and Oswego County Administrator, emphasized the fiscal pressure counties are already facing and the limited options available to absorb new costs.

“After decades of partnership, this sudden shift in federal responsibility places millions of dollars in new requirements on local governments,” said Church. “Counties are already dealing with rising costs in Medicaid, retirement benefits, and other state mandates. Without relief, we are left with two unacceptable choices: raise property taxes or cut essential public services.”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon highlighted both the human and economic stakes of the proposed changes.

Leaders from New York’s food banks echoed these concerns, noting that any disruption to SNAP will increase demand on already strained emergency food systems.

Susan Lintner, Chief of Advocacy and Engagement, Regional Food Bank said, “For every meal provided by food banks and our partner food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, SNAP provides nine; the charitable food system is not designed to meet that need. SNAP remains the our nation’s most critical program to addressing food insecurity. In order to ensure seamless continuity of these essential benefits, our county leaders deserve the opportunity to plan, prepare and budget to ensure that our neighbors continue to access, while also being fiscally responsible to taxpayers. All New Yorkers deserve the confidence of knowing they have access to their next meal.”

Counties stressed that the request for a delay is a practical, time-limited solution that would allow for proper planning, staffing, and system upgrades needed to implement the changes effectively.

In addition to the federal delay, county leaders urged the State of New York to include funding in the enacted state budget to cover the full cost of the shift if it proceeds as scheduled—protecting counties, New York City, and the 2.7 million New Yorkers who depend on SNAP.