OTDA Home → News & Public Information → Press Releases → Press Release
In Light Of Soaring Food Prices, Governor Paterson Announces More Than $150 Million In Annual Funding For Food Stamp Program
Average Monthly Increase of $118 in Food Stamp Benefits -Additional Food Stamps Benefit 115,000 of the Neediest Households across New York State
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that beginning October 1, 2008, thanks to the State's intervention, Federal Food Stamp benefits to low income families (primarily those living in public and Section 8 housing) will increase by more than $150 million annually.
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), which administers the Food Stamp program in New York, is implementing changes that will mean an average increase of $118 in monthly food stamp benefits to nearly 115,000 low-income households statewide. Nearly 90,000 households in New York City will see an average monthly hike of $131, while 25,000 households throughout the rest of the state will see an average monthly increase of $72.
“Rising food and commodities prices are affecting all New Yorkers,” said Governor Paterson. “Increasing food stamp benefits for some of our State’s most vulnerable residents will truly make a difference in their lives and help them to better meet their families’ nutritional needs. Nearly 115,000 households will receive an average increase of $118 per month which will go a long way towards ensuring that they have the resources they need to continue to feed their families.”
OTDA Commissioner David A. Hansell said: “Through this initiative we are helping to ensure that many hard working families receive the maximum food stamp benefit to which they are entitled. This is in keeping with Governor Paterson’s commitment to helping increase the economic security for our low-income families. These changes will make a tangible difference in the lives of so many families across the State.”
Senator Carl Kruger, Chair of the State Senate Social Services, Children and Families Committee, said: “I applaud Governor Paterson for implementing a measure that will provide immediate and desperately-needed relief to residents struggling under an increasing financial burden to feed themselves and their families.”
Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Social Services, said: “No matter what we do it’s not enough to solve issues of hunger and poverty in New York, but I commend Governor Paterson for taking the initiative in providing greater assistance for residents in need. The increased food stamps benefits administered through OTDA will help thousands of families across New York put food on their tables this year. This is particularly helpful during a time of rising home heating costs, which often stress a household budget.”
Senator Liz Krueger, who was a Food Stamp advocate prior to becoming a State Senator, said: “Due to overly complex Food Stamp budget rules, some of the poorest New Yorkers living in certain types of housing have not been eligible for very much in Federal Food Stamps. This simple change in policy by the State will dramatically increase these household's ability to purchase more nutritious foods they need. Increasing Food Stamp benefits is a win-win for New York. The State and localities pay no share of the benefits, all the dollars are spent in the local economy through food sales, and hungry families are helped immediately.”
New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn said: “As the cost of food is increasing, New Yorkers are being forced to stretch their dollar and their food stamps even further. I commend Governor Paterson and Commissioner Hansell for working together to find a way to increase the food stamp benefit for New Yorkers. This increase in benefits will impact approximately 90,000 New York City residents, and will go a long way in helping those most in need continue to put food on their table.”
The plan, which will take effect October 1, 2008, calls for the State to expand eligibility for energy assistance by offering a modest benefit to households that had not before been eligible. Under federal rules, this triggers a greater monthly food stamp allocation, because those receiving energy assistance are given a greater allowance for their energy costs through food stamp budgeting rules.