Mamdani prevents 223,000 New Yorkers from losing food stamps after Donald Trump-backed changes

New York City is actively working to shield thousands of residents from losing crucial food assistance benefits due to new federal requirements. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has spearheaded a city-wide campaign to ensure that approximately 223,000 New Yorkers can maintain their access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.

The federal government, through the Big Beautiful Bill Act, has tightened the work requirements for adults without dependents (ABAWD) eligible for SNAP. Previously exempt individuals now face stricter criteria, including working at least 80 hours per month, participating in approved job training for 80 hours, or engaging in approved volunteer work for a set number of hours. Failure to meet these conditions could lead to the reduction or cancellation of benefits after three months, under the federal "three-notice" policy.

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The labor requirements for receiving food stamps do not create jobs, they create hunger. If the federal government wanted to help people find jobs, it would invest in public employment programs and guarantee a living wage. Instead, it is punishing people who are already struggling to survive.

Mayor Mamdani has strongly criticized these federal changes, stating, "The labor requirements for receiving food stamps do not create jobs, they create hunger." He argued that instead of investing in public employment programs and ensuring a living wage, the federal government is penalizing individuals already struggling to survive. "Here, in New York, we refuse to stand idly by while Washington takes food away from our families," Mamdani declared, vowing to utilize all city resources to help residents keep the benefits they are entitled to.

Official data indicates that a significant majority of SNAP beneficiaries are already employed, with 82% of single adults and 91% of households with children reporting income. Without the city's intervention, an estimated $823 million in food assistance could be lost annually. The city's Department of Social Services, in collaboration with other agencies like the Office of Technology and Innovation and NYC Health+Hospitals, is implementing outreach efforts, including door-to-door visits and phone calls, to assist eligible residents in documenting medical or caregiving exemptions and navigating the new requirements.

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Here, in New York, we refuse to stand idly by while Washington takes food away from our families. We are using all resources at our disposal to ensure New Yorkers continue to receive the benefits they deserve.