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Federal Shutdown Leaves 253,000 Asian Americans in New York City Without SNAP Benefits

Local community groups struggle to fill the gaps

New York, NY — The Asian American Federation (AAF) is sounding the alarm on the devastating impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across New York. Now entering its 34th day, the shutdown has left 315,000 Asian Americans statewide—including children, seniors, and people with disabilities—without access to critical Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In New York City alone, 253,000 Asian Americans have lost this vital lifeline.

“This is the first time in modern history that SNAP funding will lapse, leaving millions without critical aid,” said Catherine Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Asian American Federation. “Ninety-one percent of working-age Asian New Yorkers who receive SNAP are employed—our communities are working hard, yet still struggling to make ends meet.”

With families cut off from food assistance, local community-based organizations and food pantries have stepped up to fill the gap. Many, particularly those providing culturally appropriate foods, are straining their limited resources to meet soaring demand.

But when leadership from the White House and Congress fails, Asian New Yorkers turn to trusted community-based organizations and local food pantries for support. Many of these groups–especially those providing culturally appropriate foods–are now dipping into their limited reserves to meet the overwhelming surge in demand.

“And when one in four Asian New Yorkers live in or near poverty, cutting off SNAP funding harms our most vulnerable community members, including children, the elderly, veterans, and the disabled,” Chen added. “Our community organizations are doing everything they can, but they cannot replace federal aid.”

AAF urges the public to support local organizations that are providing food relief to AAPI New Yorkers during the shutdown:

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