Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, there is not enough funding to pay for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. As a result, food stamp benefits have been suspended from November 1st, affecting 48 million people nationwide and 3 million people in New York State. In order to provide timely assistance and financial resources to the public, the Asian American for Equality (AAFE), also known as the AAPI Equal Association, held a “Community Financial Resources Fair” in Flushing on November 1st. They distributed a list of locations for “free food pantry” where people in need could go to receive free food, attracting a large number of individuals seeking assistance and resources.
The director of the AAFE Revival Business Services Center, Li Zhixuan, stated that the food stamp benefits that were supposed to be distributed on the 1st of this month have been temporarily postponed, with no indication of when they might resume. If they are not distributed within a month, how will those who rely on food stamps for groceries manage? Li believes that many people will need to receive free food this month, so the AAFE has printed information on over 40 free food distribution points in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn to facilitate those in need.
The addresses and hours for the free food distribution points include: South Asian Social Service Association (14320 45th Ave. Flushing) on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm; St. Michael’s Church (136-76 41st Ave Flushing) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm; Henry Street Settlement in Manhattan Chinatown (301 Madison St) on Tuesdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm; Center for Family Life in Sunset Park, Brooklyn (443 39th St) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
In response to the temporary suspension of food stamp distribution, New York State has declared a state of emergency and allocated $106 million in emergency food assistance funds. Li Zhixuan mentioned that the delayed distribution of food stamp benefits not only affects the recipients but also impacts the businesses that accept food stamps, causing a ripple effect on their income. Therefore, the AAFE Revival Business Services Center is offering low-interest loans to small businesses and assisting first-time homebuyers with up to $100,000 in grants.
The AAFE media contact person, Crystal Feng, stated that the AAFE, in partnership with Urban Resource Institute (URI), has established “Magnolia Gardens” at the Flushing University Point Avenue for families facing housing crises such as eviction, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, or severe overcrowding. The facility is set to open in early 2026, and applications are now being accepted. Families seeking transitional housing must apply in person at the New York City Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH) Processing Center in the Bronx. For those interested in the pre-screening process, please contact via email: [email protected].