OLEAN — Cuts to SNAP benefits have caused an unprecedented increase in Olean Food Pantry (OFP) clients – one that threatens to continue despite a pending
resolution to reopen the federal government.
Such impacts are equally affecting food pantries and other community services organizations across Western New York, said Olean Food Bank Board President David Potter.
In just the past two weeks, the pantry has seen a 79% increase in family visits, rising from an
average of 71 families per week in early October to 125 families per week in recent days, Potter said. This surge comes even as congressional lawmakers inch toward reopening the government as of Wednesday afternoon.
But for many vulnerable households, relief is not guaranteed.
“Even if the shutdown ends tomorrow, the fear and fallout from potential SNAP eligibility changes remain very real for our neighbors,” Potter said. “We are preparing for long-term demand as families, seniors and working parents brace for what’s next.”
The pantry welcomes donations of nonperishable goods, especially:
● Canned tomato products (diced, sauce, stewed, spaghetti sauce)
● Canned fruits (peaches, oranges, etc.)
● Bagged white rice (1-lb bags)
● Instant mashed potatoes
● Canned soups
Cash donations are preferred, though, as OFP is able to purchase roughly 100% more food at wholesale and preferred nonprofit rates, Potter said. To make a tax-deductible cash donation, visit https://oleanfoodpantry.org/donate/.
Benefits to SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) may indeed soon be restored. However, new restrictions to SNAP eligibility set to take effect in 2026 could cut off benefits for over 200,000 New Yorkers. Adults aged 18 to 64 without a documented disability or
young children in the household are most at risk of losing critical support, according to numerous news analyses.
These changes could be devastating for rural communities that Olean Food Pantry serves across Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, said Jerry Hustak, OFP’s operations manager.
“SNAP already provides just $6.16 per day per person on average. That’s barely enough to buy a cheap breakfast sandwich at your local convenience store,” said Hustak. “Cuts and red tape will force people to choose between food, medicine or housing. That’s not a choice anyone should have to make.
“And the thing to remember is this: even if full funding to SNAP is restored, that spending measure would only be temporary. Who knows what could be coming down the road, even if folks are eligible.”
During the hunger crisis, Olean Food Pantry has received immense charity and generosity of numerous community organizations, municipalities and individuals.
“Support has poured in from Olean and Portville schools, the town of Allegany, 716 Panini, Believers Chapel and many more who are due our most heartfelt thanks,” Hustak said.
“We’re seeing the best of our community right now — churches, civic groups, neighbors clearing out
their cupboards — all coming together in solidarity,” Hustak said. ”Their compassion reminds us that we are not alone in this work.”
