Emergency Relief for Families Impacted by SNAP Benefit Cuts

Emergency Relief Fund Supports Families Impacted by SNAP Cuts

October 31, 2025

ALBANY, N.Y. —  United Way of the Greater Capital Region today announced the launch of an emergency SNAP Relief Fund to support local families who are losing critical food assistance due to recent federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

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Peter Gannon at County Executive's Office

The need is urgent as the government remains shut down

Recognizing the devastating impact these cuts will have on thousands of households that live below the ALICE threshold, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy has committed to match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $500,000. The matching funds will be used to provide grocery gift cards directly to families affected by the loss of benefits.

“When families lose access to food assistance, it affects every part of their lives — their health, their stability, and their dignity,” said Peter Gannon, President & CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “This partnership with Albany County will help ensure that no family in our community goes hungry while we work toward longer-term solutions.”

The sudden reduction in federal SNAP support means that thousands of local households will have to stretch already limited budgets even further. These families — many of whom were already struggling to afford basic necessities — now face difficult choices between food, housing, and other essentials.

Through this new fund, UWGCR will partner with trusted local agencies and community organizations to identify families most in need and distribute support as quickly as possible.

Community members are encouraged to contribute what they can. Every dollar donated will be matched by Albany County, doubling the impact of each gift.

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