MAYVILLE, NY – As families face uncertainty over November SNAP benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel is highlighting the importance of community support for local food pantries, soup kitchens, and charitable partners that provide vital assistance.
“Across Chautauqua County, our food pantries and soup kitchens are the backbone of compassion,” said County Executive PJ Wendel. “While federal assistance programs like SNAP may be delayed in November, these local organizations continue to step up—feeding families, children, and seniors who are in need. I’m encouraging everyone who can to lend a hand to donate food or volunteer your time to help your neighbors through this difficult period.”
Wendel said our community working together, helps create a support system for those in need. It’s what makes Chautauqua County special—it’s people and their unwavering willingness to help one another.
“Chautauqua County has always been a place where neighbors look out for one another,” said County Executive PJ Wendel. “Continually, we’ve seen our residents step up—whether it’s collaborating with local organizations to ensure that individuals and families receive the support they need during times of uncertainty, or simply checking in on someone who might be struggling. That sense of generosity and compassion is what makes our communities strong, especially during challenging times like these.”
According to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), SNAP benefits cannot be issued for November unless the federal government shutdown ends or other federal action provides the necessary funding. SNAP households will be notified by November 1, 2025, regarding the status of their benefits.
“We understand that the uncertainty caused by this situation is deeply concerning for families who depend on SNAP to meet their basic food needs,” said Carmelo Hernandez, Chautauqua County Commissioner of Social Services. “We want residents to know that we are doing everything we can to keep cases up to date and to make sure families are ready to receive benefits as soon as federal funding is restored.”
SNAP households are encouraged to check the latest updates directly from OTDA through the following official channels:
- Website: otda.ny.gov/shutdown
- myBenefits: mybenefits.ny.gov
- ebtEDGE app or hotline
- Text messages sent directly to SNAP households
“This is an unprecedented situation that impacts communities across the country,” added Hernandez. “Locally, we want residents to know they are not alone—Chautauqua County has an incredible network of community partners ready to help.”
Residents experiencing food insecurity are encouraged to reach out to local food programs and community partners for support, including:
- St. Susan Center – 31 Water Street, Jamestown, NY
- Friendly Kitchen (Chautauqua County Rural Ministry) – 319 Washington Avenue, Dunkirk, NY
- Westfield Community Kitchen – 101 E Main St., Westfield, NY
If you are in need of food assistance, or are able to donate to a local food pantry, soup kitchen, or other assistance programs, visit 211wny.org to locate a food assistance program near you. In the “Find Resources” section, type “food” and enter your ZIP code, then filter results to show programs within a set number of miles from your location.
While SNAP benefits are temporarily impacted, Public Assistance (PA) programs are not affected by the federal shutdown and will continue to be issued as normal. The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.
For questions about local SNAP case processing or to report urgent food needs, residents can contact the Department of Social Services at (716) 661-8000 or visit chautauquacountyny.gov.
