LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is holding several drive thru pantries to help fill the gap while SNAP benefits are being withheld due to the government shutdown.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding was not distributed on Nov. 1. A federal judge directed the Trump administration late last month to use available emergency funds to keep SNAP benefits going. The White House said Monday that it would not be tapping into other funds, calling it “an unacceptable risk.”

Nearly three million New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits every month. The food bank said each drive thru pantry is estimated to provide around 20,000 lbs. of groceries to 375 households.

“Millions of New York families, children and seniors do not to know where their next meal is coming from,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO Regional Food Bank. “We want our neighbors to know we’re here to help. We will do our best to meet the need and are so grateful for the efforts of Governor Hochul and New York State, as well as county and local governments that stepped up, and the charitable contributions of hundreds of corporate partners, as well as thousands of individuals in the communities we serve for coming together to help our neighbors access the food they need at this time of unparalleled need.” 

The food bank serves 23 counties. These are the upcoming drive thru pantry dates for the Capital Region:

Thursday, November 6:

Albany County

• Connect Center, 49 Johnston Ave, Cohoes: 9:30 am 
• Ford Lot, 75 Tibbits Ave, Green Island: 11:30 am 
• Regional Food Bank, 965 Albany-Shaker Road, Latham: 5:30 pm 

Schenectady County

• SUNY Schenectady County Community College, 78 Washington Ave., Schenectady: 5:30 pm 

Friday, November 7:

Albany County

• East Berne Fire House, 792 Helderberg Trail, East Berne: 10:30 am 
• Voorheesville Fire House, 12 Altamont Rd, Voorheesville, 1:30 am 

Saturday, November 8:

Albany County

• Watervliet Cultural Center/Museum, 1501 1st Ave., Watervliet: 12:30 pm 

Friday, November 14:

Albany County

• Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 86 Schuyler St., Albany: Noon 

Additional distributions will take place each week throughout the region on an ongoing basis. The schedule can be found on the food bank’s website.

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