County Executive Adam Bello and local leaders warn residents about major SNAP benefit delays and new federal requirements that could affect thousands across Monroe County

Monroe County, Florida – Monroe County leaders are raising the alarm about a wave of changes and disruptions that could soon affect thousands of residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). County Executive Adam J. Bello joined local officials, community partners, and hunger-relief advocates in Rochester today to warn that both a federal government shutdown and new federal policy requirements could leave many families uncertain about how they will put food on the table in the coming weeks.

The county was notified late last week that SNAP benefits, which were scheduled to be distributed on November 1, will face delays due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This abrupt disruption in one of the nation’s most vital food assistance programs is expected to hit vulnerable residents hardest—especially children, seniors, and working families who depend on monthly SNAP benefits to meet their basic nutritional needs.

More than 104,000 Monroe County residents currently receive SNAP assistance. Of those, over 37,000 are children under 18, while 22,000 are seniors aged 60 or older. Each month, the SNAP program channels approximately $20 million into Monroe County’s local economy—money that helps sustain families and supports local grocery stores and food retailers.

County Executive Bello expressed deep frustration over the delay, describing it as both unnecessary and inhumane. “The lapse in SNAP funding is a slap in the face to the seniors, children, working poor, veterans, and people with disabilities who make up the vast majority of SNAP recipients in Monroe County,” said Bello. “President Trump’s use of access to food as a bargaining chip in the federal shutdown is disgraceful. To threaten that most basic need, knowing full well that neither states, counties, nor charities can afford to cover that expense, is heartless and abhorrent.”

Local Leaders Condemn Political Gridlock

Rochester Congressman Joe Morelle echoed Bello’s concerns, emphasizing that the roots of the crisis lie in political dysfunction in Washington rather than local mismanagement. “Eighty years ago, the first American to receive food assistance lived right here in Rochester. Our city helped launch a national fight against hunger, and we can’t stop now,” said Morelle. “This crisis is the result of some of my colleagues in Washington choosing politics over people. It’s time for leaders to remember who they serve—and to put families, seniors, and children first.”

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Local hunger-relief organizations are already bracing for a surge in need. Foodlink, the region’s largest food bank, expects a significant increase in demand for emergency meals and food boxes as SNAP delays begin to ripple through the community. Julia Tedesco, President and CEO of Foodlink, said the organization is purchasing additional food to prepare but stressed that they cannot meet the increased demand alone. “SNAP is our nation’s first line of defense against food insecurity — and is responsible for lifting millions of Americans out of poverty every month,” said Tedesco. “Any disruption or reduction in SNAP puts an immediate strain on our communities and puts added pressure on the emergency food system. We are purchasing more food to prepare for a surge in demand, but cannot do this work alone. We urge the public to donate or advocate to support Foodlink or one of our many member food pantries or meal programs during this challenging time.”

Residents Urged to Stay Informed and Continue Applying

Despite the temporary halt in benefits, Bello encouraged residents to continue submitting all necessary documentation to the Monroe County Department of Human Services. Applying now will ensure that once federal funding resumes, benefits can be distributed without further delay.

Individuals in need of immediate food assistance are urged to call 2-1-1, visit MyWayfinder.org, or check foodlinkny.org/find-food for up-to-date information about local food pantries and meal programs. These resources, Bello emphasized, are there to ensure that “no one in Monroe County goes hungry while we wait for Washington to act.”

Upcoming Work Requirement Changes Add to Confusion

While the federal shutdown is the most urgent issue, Monroe County residents must also prepare for new federal work and reporting requirements for SNAP recipients set to take effect on December 1. These changes, passed as part of President Trump’s H.R. 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” will require some recipients to work or participate in qualifying programs to continue receiving benefits.

Under the new rules, individuals classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)—adults between ages 18 and 64 who do not have children under 14 in their household and are physically and mentally capable of working—must work at least 20 hours per week or engage in approved training or volunteer activities to remain eligible.

The Monroe County Department of Human Services will mail detailed information to all affected individuals by November 1, outlining exactly what steps they must take to maintain eligibility. “It is critical that anyone who receives SNAP pay attention to their mail and act quickly,” said Bello. “SNAP is a lifeline for many of our most vulnerable residents, and we want to make sure they take action to maintain their food assistance. There are community resources available to help, but we can’t help if people do not act.”

Local Officials Push Back on “Work Requirement” Policy

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans voiced strong opposition to the new federal rules, calling them punitive and unnecessary. “These changes to so-called work requirements are nothing more than a thinly veiled disguise to reduce funding for a proven anti-hunger program,” said Evans. “Given that many of the people who rely on SNAP benefits live in the city, I am deeply grateful to see Congressman Joe Morelle, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and our community partners stand ROC solid to minimize the impact of these insidious cuts and make sure our most vulnerable residents can continue to afford healthy food. I urge those whose SNAP benefits are threatened to respond as soon as possible to the County’s information packet to protect your access to a critical program that helps keep you and your children from going hungry.”

County officials and nonprofit partners have been meeting regularly for months to prepare for the rollout of these changes. The Department of Human Services has coordinated with local charities, churches, and advocacy groups to ensure that SNAP recipients have the information and support they need to comply with the new requirements.

Call to Action and Community Support

Bello said the county will continue to work closely with federal and state partners to advocate for uninterrupted SNAP funding and to mitigate the effects of the new regulations. However, he also stressed the need for a strong community response. “This is not just a policy issue—it’s about people’s lives,” he said. “When families lose access to food, everything else falls apart—health, education, stability. We need everyone—residents, businesses, and local leaders—to help us protect our neighbors.”

Community organizations are stepping up. Several local churches and nonprofits have already announced expanded meal programs and emergency food distributions to fill potential gaps. Foodlink’s warehouses are preparing for longer hours, and volunteers are being recruited to help manage expected increases in demand.

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For individuals and families affected by these upcoming changes, the county’s website, www.monroecounty.gov/snap-abawd-changes, provides detailed explanations of the new rules, eligibility categories, and guidance for maintaining benefits. The Department of Human Services can also be reached directly at (585) 753-5386 for assistance.

A Legacy of Resilience

As Monroe County faces this challenging moment, many local leaders are drawing inspiration from the region’s long-standing history in the fight against hunger. Rochester holds a unique place in the history of food assistance—being the birthplace of the nation’s first food stamps program more than eighty years ago. Today, that same spirit of compassion and solidarity continues to guide community efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.

The press conference concluded with a shared message of resilience and unity. Despite uncertainty at the federal level, county and city officials pledged to work hand-in-hand with community partners to protect those most at risk. A livestream of the full event is available on County Executive Adam Bello’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CountyExecBello.

As Bello put it, the goal remains clear: “We will not stand by while politics threaten the health and dignity of our people. Rochester has always stood for community—and we will continue to do so, together.”