The County of Rockland has announced a $2 million Emergency Food Assistance plan to address the surge in food insecurity caused by the recent lapse in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The agreement, finalized Friday with the Regional Food Bank, will fund a countywide effort to provide immediate relief to thousands of affected residents.
Following the federal government shutdown on November 1st, more than 19,000 Rockland households—comprising over 54,000 children and adults—were left without SNAP benefits. In response, the Regional Food Bank will oversee a two-phase plan that distributes food to Rockland’s 43 local pantry partners and hosts food drives across the county.
“This is a coordinated, strategic, and immediate response,” said County Executive Ed Day. “This plan ensures food reaches the families most affected, supports our pantries, and strengthens the entire emergency food system across Rockland.”
Legislative Support and Rapid Implementation
Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. praised the quick action taken by county officials, noting that half of the $2 million will be released immediately to the Regional Food Bank to help local pantries replenish supplies. “This stop-gap measure will hopefully get us through the Federal government shutdown,” Hood said.
The first phase, running November 6–14, will utilize $1 million—$700,000 allocated directly to local pantries through Regional Food Bank accounts and $300,000 used for countywide food distribution events.
“This two-phase approach will help ensure that if needed, we can assist local food pantries through the end of the month,” said Legislature Minority Chairman Lon M. Hofstein. “I’m hopeful the federal government will reopen soon.”
Regional Food Bank CEO Tom Nardacci emphasized the urgency of the crisis, noting that “42 million Americans are now without SNAP benefits.” He thanked Rockland officials for their collaboration, adding, “We will do our best to meet the need and are so grateful for the outpouring of support from Rockland County officials and individuals in the communities we serve.”
The first large-scale event, a Drive-Thru Distribution held Thursday, November 6th at Clover Stadium in Pomona, provided 20,000 pounds of food, serving approximately 375 households.
More food distribution events are being planned for the coming week, with details to be announced shortly. The Regional Food Bank is also seeking volunteers to assist at these events. Volunteer information and updates will be available online as new opportunities are scheduled.
If the SNAP crisis persists, a second phase will begin November 15–30, continuing the same model of targeted pantry support and expanded public food distributions.
Bless you all for all you are doing. I too, am a Snap recipient. I haven’t received anything yet as well. But I’m truly grateful for people like you who are doing so much to help those in our community. May you all be Blessed Always 🙏🫶🙏