CORTLAND, N.Y. (NCC News) — Patti Fairbanks got in the standing line behind other local Central New Yorkers, readying for the 4 p.m food distribution to start at local church, The Chapel.
She was part of the small group that decided to get out of their cars and wait. The majority were in their cars, waiting in carefully crafted lines in the plaza parking lot — waiting for the drive-thru to start at 4:30 p.m.
Fairbanks said the food banks are a tremendous help to the community.
“It helps spread our dollars because obviously in this economy, money doesn’t pay for as much as it used to,” Fairbanks said.
What could likely add insult to injury is President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation proposes a $295 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.
Central New York Food banks – which help people apply for SNAP benefits — are bracing for how cutbacks to SNAP could impact the aid they provide to the food distribution.
In a word — devastating, said Becky Lare, the director of government relations at Food Bank Central New York.
“For every one meal that Feeding America Network of Food Banks provides — of which Central New York is a member – for every one meal our network provides, SNAP provides nine,” Lare said. “So anytime there are changes to the structure of that program or eligibility or changes in the benefits that households that receive SNAP receive, we see that change reflected in our network of community partners.”
Lare adds the states would take on the responsibility of paying for SNAP, which could cost up to a billion dollars for New York state.
A little over 42 million people received SNAP benefits in February, the Associated Press reported. That’s one in eight Americans. Participation is down from a peaked average of 47.6 million people during the 2013 fiscal year, the Associated Press reported.
Trump is pushing lawmakers to have the bill on his desk to sign by July 4th.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Central New York banks brace for impact of ‘Big Beautful Bill’
Patrick Scanlon: President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill could have a huge impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP. One of the many services food banks provide is helping people apply for the program. If the bill that cuts benefits is passed — it could impact millions. Myer Lee has more.
Myer Lee: Food bank volunteers fill a room with bags of food for a parking lot full of people. It’s one of the many food distribution days in Central New York this month. Local patti fairbanks says that after losing most of her savings to pay for a bad car accident, the food banks have been a godsend.
Patti Fairbanks: I didn’t have so much worry of what i’m going to worry about for food that’s going to be there for the next day or the next morning. It keeps my family not hungry.
Lee: Locally and nationwide many americans are in danger of going hungry. The Trump administration’s plan to cut spending from social safety net programs could impact food assistance for low-income people. The house passed legislation last month that is projected to cut about 295 billion in spending from snap over the next decade. A little over 42 million people received snap benefits last feburary — which is one out of every eight americans in the country. Fairbanks knows people who depend on snap benefits.
Fairbanks: They jump out and get really nervous and fearful like they’re not going to have any.
Lee: Central New York food banks help the communities apply for snap benefits — and will feel the impact of the cuts.
Becky Lare: For every one meal that the feeding america network of food banks provides — of which central new york is a member – for every one meal our network provides snap provides nine. So anytime there are changes to the structure of that program or eligibility or changes in the benefits that households that receive snap receive, we see that change reflected in our network of community partners.
Lee: The cutbacks could also put a strain on food bank distribution centers. Longtime food bank volunteer Teresa Driscoll — who served through the pandemic – says she’ll be there to face the potential challeges.
Patti Driscoll: It doesn’t matter what the weather is – rain, shine, snow – we’re out here serving our community.
Scanlon: The bill is now making its way through the Senate. President Trump wants lawmakers to have the bill on his desk ready to sign by July 4th.