Middletown expands emergency food assistance as federal SNAP help remains uncertain

Mayor Miguel Rodriguez told the Common Council on Nov. 4 that the city will begin distributing $50 food-voucher cards on Wednesday as part of the Middletown Emergency Food Assistance Program and that applications were extended through the next day to accommodate more applicants.

"As of earlier today, we had well over 200 people signed up," Rodriguez said, adding that the city expected the program could help "over 300 families" once distribution begins. Recreation staff Raelynn and Nicole are managing distribution at the rec center and will arrange deliveries for residents who cannot pick up vouchers.

City staff said the program initially provides a flat $50 voucher per applicant but that staff is evaluating revisions to better address household needs — for example, larger families — if additional funds become available. Rodriguez said Maria (city staff) located additional discretionary funds and private donations that brought the program above the city’s initial $10,000 estimate.

Legal and procedural limits on using municipal funds were raised. Rodriguez said a first review of state regulations indicated municipalities generally cannot donate directly to food pantries because counties administer social services, but that guidance from the New York Conference of Mayors suggested declaring a local state of emergency could create authority to apply city funds to the program. The mayor said city attorneys and peer cities are consulting on the question.

"There is a strong possibility, and at this point, a real possibility, that by declaring a state of emergency similar to what we did with COVID, that we would then be able to put some city funds into this type of project," Rodriguez said.

Council members thanked the mayor and staff for moving quickly. Alderman McLeiner said, "I just wanna say thank you, mayor, for taking the lead on food assistance for our community," noting other municipalities contacted Middletown for advice on their own efforts.

Program logistics: applications were being accepted online, by phone and in person; eligible residents who can pick up vouchers should do so at the rec center on the announced dates, and the city will deliver cards to households that cannot travel. The mayor’s office and the recreation department are the public contacts for enrollment and questions.

City officials said they will not assume federal SNAP funding will be restored quickly and will continue to refine both eligibility rules and legal authority before committing additional municipal funds. No formal appropriation was approved at the Nov. 4 meeting.