Federal Shutdown Imperils SNAP and HEAP Benefits for Over 140,000 Erie County Residents

Over 140,000 residents in Erie County are on the brink of losing essential food and heating assistance due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Local authorities have sounded the alarm, emphasizing the urgent need for congressional intervention to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

 

County Executive Mark Poloncarz highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that if the shutdown persists into November, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be halted. This suspension would affect more than 78,000 households, removing approximately $27.5 million from the local economy. Additionally, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is facing delays, leaving many without support as colder months approach. ([www4.erie.gov](https://www4.erie.gov/exec/press/erie-county-warns-snap-and-heap-recipients-seek-alternative-assistance-if-federal-shutdown?utm_source=openai))

 

"It's the perfect storm," Poloncarz remarked. "Not only will we be unable to provide SNAP benefits, but the delay in HEAP means residents will face a 'heat or eat' dilemma. This is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately."

 

Congressman Tim Kennedy underscored the widespread impact, noting that one in five households in Western New York relies on SNAP. "This program is vital for low-income families, seniors, children, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to afford nutritious food," Kennedy said. "The current impasse in Washington is putting our most vulnerable citizens at risk."

 

Community leaders are mobilizing to provide alternative assistance. Assistant Pastor Kent Arneth of New Covenant Church Food Pantry shared a poignant encounter: "A gentleman told me, 'Pastor, this is food stability for me.' He had consumed his last canned soup, relying on the pantry for his next meal. This illustrates the critical need in our community."

 

Reverend Kinzer Pointer called on religious organizations to step up. "If you don't have a food pantry in your church, mosque, or temple, now's the time to start one," Pointer urged. "Poverty exists in every zip code of Erie County, and we must be prepared to support those in need."

 

Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera emphasized that children and seniors would bear the brunt of these cuts. "Seventy percent of those impacted are our children and seniors," Chimera stated. "This is unacceptable."

 

Residents are encouraged to seek alternative food resources. The Erie County Department of Social Services will provide emergency food resource information and pantry referrals. Households facing utility shut-offs can apply for emergency assistance to prevent disruptions. ([www3.erie.gov](https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/federal-shutdown-2025-alternative-assistance-programs?utm_source=openai))

 

The community is urged to contact their congressional representatives to advocate for the immediate resolution of the shutdown and the reinstatement of these vital programs.