October 28th, 2025
Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello and local leaders gathered today to alert the Rochester community to impending delays and changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Late last week, Monroe County was notified that SNAP benefits, due to be released on November 1, would be delayed because of the federal government shutdown.
More than 104,000 Monroe County residents rely on SNAP to help feed their families; of those, more than 37,000 are under the age of 18 and 22,000 are over the age of 60. The cost of the SNAP program in Monroe County is $20 million per month.
“The lapse in SNAP funding is a slap in the face to the seniors, children, working poor, veterans, and people with disabilities who make up the vast majority of SNAP recipients in Monroe County,” said County Executive Bello. “President Trump’s use of access to food as a bargaining chip in the federal shutdown is disgraceful. To threaten that most basic need, knowing full well that neither states, counties, nor charities can afford to cover that expense, is heartless and abhorrent.”
“Eighty years ago, the first American to receive food assistance lived right here in Rochester. Our city helped launch a national fight against hunger, and we can’t stop now,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This crisis is the result of some of my colleagues in Washington choosing politics over people. It’s time for leaders to remember who they serve—and to put families, seniors, and children first.”
"SNAP is our nation's first line of defense against food insecurity — and is responsible for lifting millions of Americans out of poverty every month," said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink. "Any disruption or reduction in SNAP puts an immediate strain on our communities and puts added pressure on the emergency food system. We are purchasing more food to prepare for a surge in demand, but cannot do this work alone. We urge the public to donate or advocate to support Foodlink or one of our many member food pantries or meal programs during this challenging time."
SNAP recipients are urged to continue to submit any necessary documentation to the Monroe County Department of Human Services, and apply for benefits if they need them, so that they can receive SNAP when the shutdown is over and funding is reinstated. People who need food assistance can reach out to 211, MyWayfinder.org, or foodlinkny.org/find-food.
Additionally, but unrelated to the shutdown, new work and reporting requirements for SNAP will take effect on December 1 as a result of H.R. 1 (the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) proposed by President Trump and passed by Congress in July. As a result, some SNAP recipients will receive notification of these changes in their mail this week.
These changes will require certain individuals to meet new work and reporting requirements or face losing their benefits
Beginning December 1, SNAP recipients categorized as Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD), those aged 18-64 who do not have children under 14 in their household and are physically and mentally able to work, will be required to work at least 20 hours per week, or participate in work training, volunteer service, or other work-related activities to maintain their SNAP benefits.
The Monroe County Department of Human Services, which administers the SNAP program on behalf of the state and federal governments, will mail information by November 1st to SNAP recipients who currently meet the ABAWD definition. The mailing contains all of the information individuals will need to determine the steps they must take to maintain their SNAP benefits.
“It is critical that anyone who receives SNAP pay attention to their mail and act quickly,” said County Executive Bello. “SNAP is a lifeline for many of our most vulnerable residents, and we want to make sure they take action to maintain their food assistance. There are community resources available to help, but we can’t help if people do not act.”
“These changes to so-called work requirements are nothing more than a thinly veiled disguise to reduce funding for a proven anti-hunger program,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Given that many of the people who rely on SNAP benefits live in the city, I am deeply grateful to see Congressman Joe Morelle, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and our community partners stand ROC solid to minimize the impact of these insidious cuts and make sure our most vulnerable residents can continue to afford healthy food. I urge those whose SNAP benefits are threatened to respond as soon as possible to the County’s information packet to protect your access to a critical program that helps keep you and your children from going hungry.”
Staff of the Monroe County Department of Human Services have been meeting with non-profit organizations over the past several months to advise them of the SNAP changes and engage their assistance in educating and supporting any SNAP recipients they serve. Individuals and organizations can find out more information about the SNAP changes by visiting the County’s website at www.monroecounty.gov/snap-abawd-changes or calling (585) 753-5386.
A livestream of this press conference is available on County Executive Bello’s Facebook page: facebook.com/CountyExecBello.
