The Potential Consequences of a SNAP Suspension on Poverty Among New Yorkers

This new Robin Hood-funded report from the Center on Poverty and Social Policy at the Columbia University School of Social Work simulates the impact on poverty in New York City as the 2025 federal government shutdown continues, creating a real risk that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, otherwise known as food stamps) will not issue November benefits.

If SNAP benefits were not paid in November, approximately 35,000 New York State residents would fall into poverty in 2025. This estimate reflects how critical SNAP is in keeping households above the poverty line, even from losing just one month of benefits.