County Leaders, Food Bank Advocates Call for Federal Delay of SNAP Administrative Cost Shift

Leaders warn of $168 million annual impact on local taxpayers and risks to food access for nearly 3 million New Yorkers

Albany, NY — 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.

Press Conference Video | Slides

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.

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,” said Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director of NYSAC. “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.

“In Onondaga County alone, more than 62,000 residents rely on SNAP, representing approximately $150 million in benefits flowing into our local economy,” said McMahon. “These dollars support grocery stores, farmers, and small businesses. When SNAP is disrupted, it doesn’t just affect families—it impacts entire local economies.”

McMahon also warned that the increased administrative burden, combined with reduced federal funding, could make it harder for counties to maintain program accuracy and compliance.

“If counties don’t have the resources to properly administer SNAP under these new requirements, we risk higher error rates and potential federal penalties,” McMahon said. “That creates a vicious cycle—less funding leading to more risk, and more risk leading to further funding losses.”

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."  

Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO of Island Harvest said, “Island Harvest Food Bank is deeply concerned about the effects of the SNAP Administrative Cost Shift on the neighbors we serve. Increased costs have the potential to strain County budgets and resources, with unintended side effects that may include delays in processing SNAP applications. As noted by Feeding America, food banks provide 1 meal for every 9 provided by SNAP. If the federal cost shifts result in counties being unable to timely process applications because of these increased costs, our neighbors will bear the burden while straining the resources of emergency food providers. In addition, we believe strongly that New York State counties should have the opportunity to properly budget and prepare for the changes to SNAP implemented by H.R.1.”

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.

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