Diocesan News

Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens Mobilizes Food Pantries as SNAP Benefits Expire

October 31, 2025
By

by Tablet Staff

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ) has launched an emergency response for those affected by the government shutdown.  

Anyone in need can access food, mental health support, and case management services from the organization, CCBQ officials announced on Oct. 31.  

The services are available for those impacted by the government’s furlough, the loss of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, or similar challenges, CCBQ officials said. 

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“No family should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table,” said Msgr. Alfred LoPinto, president and CEO of CCBQ. “We have mobilized our network of food pantries and social services to make sure anyone struggling during the shutdown can access emergency support right away.” 

According to CCBQ, the following emergency services are now available to anyone impacted by the government shutdown:  

  • Caseworkers and benefit coordinators can help families access emergency funds.  
  • Emergency grants are available on a case-by-case basis for assistance. 
  • Call 718-722-6001 to speak with staff for information and referrals. 
  • Those in need of mental health support can contact the CCBQ call center to connect with the organization’s mental health clinics. 

From January to September of this year, CCBQ’s food pantries served more than 450,000 people and distributed over four million meals across Brooklyn and Queens. 

“Our pantries are already serving thousands each week, and we added extra meals and services to our operations,” said Debbie Hampson, senior director of Community and Mobile Outreach Services. “We have the infrastructure and commitment to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.” 

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Anyone struggling during the government shutdown can visit any of CCBQ’s 60 food pantry locations. Visit www.ccbq.org for a complete list of services, operating hours, and locations. A photo ID is needed for immediate food assistance. Restrictions and eligibility requirements may apply to those seeking financial assistance.  

Through the website, community members can also help by donating food, contributing financially, or volunteering, CCBQ officials said.  

Funding for SNAP benefits expired on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1. However, two federal judges — one in Boston and another in Providence — ruled on Oct. 31 that the Trump administration must tap into emergency funds to keep SNAP benefits funded. One judge said the United States Department of Agriculture must distribute the contingency funds “timely, or as soon as possible.” In a Nov. 3 brief, USDA’s lawyers wrote it “will fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds today.” 

The administration indicated it will not appeal those court orders, but also said on Nov. 3 that it will only issue partial payments in November.

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In anticipation of SNAP running out of funding, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Oct. 30 and announced that the state would commit $65 million in new funding for food programs. Hochul said the loss of SNAP funding was leaving New York State “to face an unprecedented public health crisis” that was “hurting our grocers, bodegas, and farmers along the way. 

“I won’t sit idly by as families struggle to put food on the table,” Hochul said of the n 

early three million New Yorkers who rely on SNAP benefits, according to the governor’s office.