Schenectady Legislature honors Food Council as advocates press state to boost SNAP and other funding

Legislator Osterlik presented and the Schenectady County Legislature adopted a resolution recognizing the Schenectady County Food Council and its advocacy work, while a group of trained community advocates and several residents urged legislators to press state lawmakers to raise the SNAP minimum benefit and fund statewide nutrition programs.

The resolution recognized the Food Council as “a collaborative group that unites local farmers, health professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and residents to address food insecurity,” and commended the council’s work to build a more equitable and locally rooted food system in Schenectady County. The Legislature’s Rules Committee moved the resolution to the floor and the full body recorded a roll call of 13 ayes and 2 excused when it passed.

Why it matters: Advocates at the meeting said the countywide rise in need — and gaps in SNAP and other programs — is driving higher demand at food pantries and emergency providers in Schenectady County.…