ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Emergency food benefits ending across the country and in the Southern Tier.

COVID-19 Emergency Allotment SNAP Benefits expire today. They were increased by Congress in March of 2020 to combat pandemic effects, giving more benefits to people who would not normally be eligible based on their income and expenses.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimate the average SNAP participant in New York could lose $151 dollars a month per household, with older adults suffering the stiffest decline.

“At a time of record high inflation and demand for food bank services, New York State stands to lose $228 million in federal funds per month,” said Food Bank of the Souther Tier Vice President of Community Impact Randi Quackenbush.

The Food Bank is increasing mobile pantries and sharing resources to help combat the loss but are advocating for a fully funded SNAP Outreach program statewide, as well as universal school meals for all K-12 students, and funding of other programs that fight food insecurity.

“We will do our best to address the increased need, but the reality is charity alone cannot fill this gap,” said Quackenbush. “SNAP is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger, and we urge our legislators to listen to and learn from those who have greatly benefited from the additional SNAP benefits throughout the pandemic. These funds are spent directly in communities, and for each $1 in SNAP, over $1.70 is generated in local economic activity.”