NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a "food emergency" in New York as millions prepare to lose SNAP benefits on Saturday.

On Thursday morning, Hochul announced an additional $65 million in emergency food assistance for the state. Over the past week, she's already announced over $40 million in emergency funds to feed New Yorkers, for a total of $106 million.

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP payments will be suspended nationwide starting in November, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It’s a massive blow to New York, where 3 million people rely on the federal benefits to put food on the table.

In addition to the money, Hochul said she will deploy CUNY and SUNY students across the state to assist with food distribution.

Hochul initially announc

See Full Page