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

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.