Gov't shutdown threatens food access for Long Island’s most vulnerable
Island Harvest is already facing $4 million in unrelated budget cuts that went into effect earlier this year.
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As the federal government shutdown stretches on, local food banks are bracing for impact — and advocates say Long Island’s most vulnerable residents could be among the hardest hit.
At Island Harvest in Melville, staff and volunteers are preparing for a potential surge in demand, as federal funding dries up and critical assistance programs like SNAP and school lunches face possible disruptions.
The organization is already facing $4 million in unrelated budget cuts that went into effect earlier this year. With the shutdown ongoing, the prospect of additional strain is causing concern among hunger relief groups across the region.
Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York, warned the situation could have dire consequences for children in particular.
“One in five kids in New York state could face hunger this year,” she said. “A prolonged government shutdown could make this problem much worse.”
Advocates are urging lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to reach an agreement quickly, warning that the longer the impasse lasts, the more families could be affected.
