ROCHESTER, N.Y. – As the federal government shutdown continues with no end in sight, more than 40 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are facing uncertainty.
SNAP benefits are expected to pause starting Saturday, Nov. 1, if there’s no deal to fund the government. More than 100,000 people in Rochester rely on SNAP, according to a state report from July.
News10NBC’s Kristi Blake spoke with small business owners who accept EBT cards to understand the impact of the potential food assistance pause. She also looks at how DoorDash plans to support food pantries.
Small businesses worry about impacts
Dream Town Deli in Rochester’s East End is one of the dozens of markets and convenience stores that accept SNAP. The owner said 40% of his profits come from SNAP. Fatehi Saeed, manager of Neighborhood Mini Mart on Plymouth Avenue, also expressed his concerns about the situation.
“Neighborhood here is no money. If you didn’t have any food this time and everything is, you got a bad situation,” Saeed said.
Kristi Blake, News10NBC: “About how much revenue do you get from SNAP and EBT every month?”
Fatehi Saeed: “Almost like, you know, what are like five, $6,000? Yes. You will you buy chips and food and, sandwich and milk and everything.”
Saeed mentioned that customers purchase not just candy and soda but also ingredients to make hearty meals, including meat and vegetables. In his 10 years working at the store, he has never seen customers worry like this. He repeatedly emphasized the severity of the situation and expressed hope that the government would pass a spending plan soon to ensure SNAP funding.
Saeed shared his worries about the future and his customers, hoping the government will fund SNAP soon to prevent store closures and hardships for those in need.
DoorDash plans to help out
In response to the potential SNAP pause, DoorDash announced that it will waive delivery and service fees for stores that accept SNAP, including major retailers like Wegmans and local markets, for the entire month of November.
The company is also waiving merchant fees for more than 300 Project DASH food banks and pantries, which aim to help people get food without stigma. A code will become available on Nov. 1 for SNAP recipients to use.
How is Foodlink preparing?
Foodlink, the Rochester-based regional foodbank that supports meal programs across the 10-county region, has been preparing for weeks for an increase in demand, said Communications Director Mark Dwyer.
“The impact of Foodlink and food banks around the country pales in comparison to what SNAP provides to people nationwide,” Dwyer said. “They say SNAP provides about 9 or 10 times the amount of meals that foodbanks all across the country do to the community.”
In 2024, Foodlink saw a 40% increase in local food pantry visits compared to the year before. For those facing food insecurity, several resources are available. The People’s Pantry, Saint Andrew’s Good Cupboard, and Trillium Health Food Pantry are located in Rochester. In Ontario County, the Canandaigua Salvation Army is available, and the Finger Lakes Action Pantry serves Wayne County.
Residents can also call 211 for assistance, which is run by the United Way. Foodlink has organized pop-up food pantries, with several happening this week.
For those who can help, Foodlink is teaming up with Wegmans for the “Check Out Hunger” campaign. Donations can be made at checkout, and Foodlink can provide three meals for every dollar donated.
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