Bill > S06643

This bill requires the state social services commissioner to distribute food stamp (now called SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) applications to all state-funded emergency feeding programs, which are defined as food pantries or soup kitchens. Starting January 1, 2026, the commissioner must submit quarterly reports to the governor and legislature detailing which emergency feeding programs received applications and the number of applications distributed to each program. The purpose of this bill appears to be increasing access to food assistance by ensuring that people visiting food pantries and soup kitchens have an opportunity to apply for food stamps/SNAP benefits. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, which is a standard implementation timeline that allows state agencies time to prepare for the new requirement.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6643