Congressman Kennedy Condemns Trump Administration for Refusal to Release Court-Ordered SNAP Funds, Demands Immediate Action

Rather Than Feed Americans, Trump Administration Continues to Fight Court Orders and Play Political Games with Nutritional Assistance

BUFFALO, NY - Joined by community leaders at the Resource Council of WNY, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) condemned Donald Trump's refusal to comply with a federal court order to release November nutritional assistance benefits in full, during the longest government shutdown in American history that has threatened the food security of tens of millions of Americans. Despite having the legal authority and necessary funding to pay November benefits on time, the Trump administration has continued to appeal the court's decision to release nutritional assistance funding to the states, therefore blocking critical food assistance for 42 million Americans nationwide.

Kennedy highlighted the importance of organizations like the Resource Council of WNY filling critical gaps in times of urgent need. While food pantries, local community centers, houses of worship, and neighbors are showing up across Western New York, Congressman Kennedy made clear that generosity is not a substitute for the government doing its job.

In Western New York, the consequences are stark: 1 in 5 households rely on SNAP to put food on the table. These benefits support seniors on fixed incomes, working parents stretched to the limit, children who depend on consistent meals, and families already battered by skyrocketing costs for groceries, healthcare, and utilities. The federal government shut down on October 1, after House Republicans began their taxpayer-funded vacation on September 19. For 41 days, House Republicans have allowed a government crisis of their own making to spiral.

"As we look toward the holiday season, President Trump has chosen to continue delaying relief by fighting a court order, making American families go hungry," said Congressman Kennedy. "It could not be clearer that working-class people are at the very bottom of his priorities list, taking a backseat to international travel, building a ballroom, and renovating a marble bathroom. In this time of crisis, the City of Good Neighbors is once again stepping up at the grassroots level to take care of one another, as we knew they would."

"As food insecurity continues to rise throughout Buffalo and its surrounding areas, the Resource Council of WNY is committed to addressing the growing challenges related to hunger and nutrition, by standing in the gap for our neighbors in need," said Catherine M. Roberts, President & CEO of the Resource Council of WNY. "Although we provide access to daily, nutritious meals and snacks in our youth programs, and a frozen congregate meal program for seniors in partnership with the Erie County Department for the Aging, it is simply not enough. The food pantry inside our center offers limited days and hours, so the Resource Council of WNY relies heavily on food donations to help support our most vulnerable individuals and families when access to other resources at our center are not available. We are depending on our corporate and community partners more than ever before to help meet the increased need through our "Care to Give Drive," to collect non-perishable food items, baby supplies and basic hygiene necessities to sustain our distribution efforts and help those in need at our center through the end of the year."

"I am horrified by what we are witnessing from this administration," said Franchelle Parker, Executive Director at Open Buffalo. "We cannot play political football with the lives of our most vulnerable - especially our children. SNAP isn't a luxury. It's the difference between having dinner and going to bed hungry. Most people I know who receive public assistance are working full-time. They are doing everything society asks of them, and still can't make ends meet. When government systems fail, our frontline organizations and our neighbors step in. I find hope in that - in watching community care rise up to meet the moment. Open Buffalo, an anchor organization in the Crossroads Community Fund, is committed to standing in the gap so no child, no elder, no person with disabilities is left without food or dignity."

"The hunger crisis facing our communities needs to end today," said Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart. "Struggling families cannot afford any more delays or reductions in SNAP benefits, especially with food prices rising due to the administration's tariffs and trade wars. I again stand with Congressman Kennedy in urging Congressional Republicans to fully fund the SNAP benefits our residents rely upon and preserve healthcare for millions of Americans. And I want to thank the amazing community organizations who have stepped up to fill in the gaps. These organizations are the cornerstone of our community, and they have been working nonstop to ensure that no family goes hungry. I stand with them in fulfilling that need."

"Families in my district and across Western New York are struggling to put food on the table, and there's absolutely no excuse for holding up their SNAP payments," said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. "These are lifeline benefits that people rely on to feed their children and keep food in their homes. The President should do the right thing for once and immediately release these funds and stop playing politics with people's lives."

Now, instead of taking action to ease the cost-of-living crisis, the Trump administration is fighting a federal court order and blocking emergency food assistance that families are legally entitled to receive. The result is unprecedented and unconscionable: hunger being used as a negotiating tactic in a political standoff.

Across Western New York, and the entire nation, families are being asked to pay more at the grocery store, utilities bills are rising as temperatures fall, healthcare costs are skyrocketing, and wages are being stretched thin. Trump and Congressional Republicans are not only failing to address those pressures, their failed policies are making every one of them worse.

Food security is not partisan, hunger is not political, and no family in Western New York should be collateral damage to Washington's dysfunction. Democrats remain ready to pass real solutions to lower costs - but Republicans must show up and engage in good-faith bipartisan talks. Western New Yorkers deserve a functioning government, lowered costs, and the certainty that their kids will have food on the table at the end of the day.

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