Food donations accepted as part of New York's annual holiday drive, state officials say

New York’s annual statewide holiday donation drive is now accepting food contributions, days after the Trump administration attempted to freeze SNAP benefits for millions of Americans.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Holiday, Food, Toy, Coat and School Supply Drive, which began Saturday, will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys, coats, school supplies as well as nonperishable food items to benefit families in need.

"Generosity is a core value of the holiday season. New York’s statewide Toy and Coat Drive offers an opportunity to give back to our communities when it’s needed most," Hochul said in a statement. "I encourage all New Yorkers to consider donating to share hope, happiness, warmth and holiday cheer with children and families in need."

President Donald Trump’s administration said Monday it will partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for November after two judges issued rulings requiring the government to keep the nation’s largest food aid program running.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the program, had planned to freeze payments starting Saturday because it said it could no longer keep funding it during the federal government shutdown.

But November payments have already been delayed for millions of people, The Associated Press reported.

More than 2.9 million New Yorkers and 1 in 8 Americans benefit from SNAP, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers and is considered instrumental in providing fresh produce for families.

About 31,545 Nassau County households, or 43,404 individuals, received SNAP benefits as of July, and in Suffolk County it was 78,939 households or 124,604 individuals, according to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Donations purchased online can be shipped to: Empire State Plaza, P1 South Dock J, Albany, NY 12242, NYS Holiday Drive through Dec. 15 or be placed at numerous drop-off locations across the state through Dec. 5.

On Long Island, participants can bring donations to the drop-off location at the Perry B. Duryea State Office Building at 250 Veterans Memorial Hwy. in Hauppauge.

Food collected between Nov. 1 and the week before Thanksgiving will be distributed in time for the holiday, Hochul's statement said. Food donations can include nonperishable items such as canned goods, dried foods like pasta, rice or cereal, and preserved food.

Participants can visit the state website at ny.gov/new-york-states-annual-holiday-drive for more information and to view other drop-off locations.