SNAP benefits delay: community Info - October 2025
Due to the federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will likely not be distributed for November. SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) for individuals and households cannot be issued for November unless federal funding is authorized. Unless emergency action is taken by the federal government, many in our community will struggle to obtain the food they need for themselves and their families.
According to the most recent data, Cortland County has 5,933 SNAP recipients.
Updates to SNAP benefits and the impact of the shutdown can be found on the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) website.
Food Systems support is core to our work, and we will continue to support the Cortland community and food pantries.
Through Seven Valleys Food Rescue, we are continuing to accept donations from area farms and distributors as well as purchase New York State grown food to support area food pantries. Our volunteers deliver weekly or monthly distributions, including produce and dairy, to approximately 15 area food pantries. We are exploring ways to increase our distributions during this time.
Through our support for 2-1-1, we are ensuring that the list of Cortland County food pantries is up to date and making any necessary changes in hours, location or distribution dates so we can continue to provide accurate information to the community.
If you'd like to understand the resources in Cortland County in order to share with neighbors in need, here are a few great places to start!
2-1-1 and FOOD PANTRY LIST
2-1-1 is a free, confidential, multilingual service created to provide an easy way to get connected with services in the community. This 3-digit phone number, 2-1-1, provides 24/7 access to call counselors ready to provide you with information and referrals to human service agencies and programs serving your area. 2-1-1 is also available by text. Simply text your zip code to 898211. You can also chat with a counselor through the website: 211cortland.org.
The 2-1-1 website hosts an updated list of food pantries in Cortland County.
FOOD SENSE
Food $en$e is a program of the Food Bank of Central New York that allows anyone, regardless of income, to stretch their grocery dollars and purchase a monthly package of staples for $20.50. Each package contains 4-5 frozen meats, 4-5 pantry staples like pasta, soup or rice, 2 fresh produce items, and a special item. There are no qualifications, no subscriptions, and no requirements to purchase Food Sense.
There are three pick up locations in Cortland County - City of Cortland, Marathon, and Cincinnatus - as well as a location in Tully. Orders can be placed by calling the coordinator or by ordering and paying online. Pick up is typically the 3rd Thursday of the month but can vary by location.
double up food bucks
Double Up Food Bucks New York (DUFBNY) is a program for SNAP recipients that matches fruit and vegetables purchased dollar for dollar up to $20 per day. It allows SNAP recipients to stretch their benefits and get twice the amount of healthy, fresh fruits and veggies. Even with an interruption to SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks remains fully operational. The website has developed a Frequently Asked Question area with November 2025 program updates.
MEDICAID 1115 WAIVER
The Medicaid 1115 Waiver is an initiative across New York State to provide extra support for eligible Medicaid members with food, housing and transportation. The goal of the program is to lower hospital utilization rates, connect Medicaid members to critical services, and to improve the overall health outcomes of New Yorkers. Depending on individual or family situations, Medicaid members may be eligible for food distributions. The first step is to be screened for the program. Contact a Social Care Navigator at Seven Valleys Health Coalition at 607-756-4198 to start the process.
DONATE TO YOUR AREA FOOD PANTRY
You can make a financial contribution or donate food items to your local food pantry. If you are able, organize a food drive of your neighbors or co-workers to collect and drop off a larger distribution. Just make sure that donated items are not expired since food pantries cannot accept or distribute expired items.
The most requested shelf-stable items are:
Cereal, oatmeal
Peanut butter and jelly
Pasta, rice, grains
Canned protein like tuna fish or chicken
Canned vegetables, soups, beans, pasta sauce, etc.
Shelf-stable milk, powdered milk, baby formula
Personal hygiene products (tampons/pads, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant)
VOLUNTEER
Share your time by volunteering at a food pantry or food program. Contact your local agency directly to find out more!
Seven Valleys Food Rescue (SVFR) also utilizes volunteers to help recover, pack, and distribute food throughout Cortland County. To learn more about volunteering with SVFR, email Hannah at hannah@sevenvalleyshealth.org.
DONATE TO SVHC
A financial donation to Seven Valleys Health Coalition enables us to continue our work and allows us to strategically purchase needed items, including perishable items like milk, butter, eggs and meat, and distribute food across all of Cortland County.
CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
Contact your representative and let them know how the disruption to SNAP is impacting you and your community. Beyond nourishing those in need, SNAP benefits spent in local stores bring economic activity to the region, both providing jobs and keeping money circulating throughout the community. The USDA estimates that every $1 in SNAP benefits generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity.
Our mission is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.
Seven Valleys Health Coalition
10 Kennedy Parkway
Cortland, NY 13045
Phone: (607) 756-4198
Fax: (607) 344-0048