The protracted federal government shutdown, now in its 34th day, has triggered a food security crisis for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in New York, leaving over a quarter of a million Asian Americans in New York City without critical Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The Asian American Federation (AAF) issued an urgent warning on November 3, 2025, highlighting the devastating impact of the lapse in federal funding. Across New York State, 315,000 Asian Americans—including seniors, children, and people with disabilities—have lost access to the vital food assistance program. The loss affects 253,000 Asian New Yorkers in the city alone.
“This is the first time in modern history that SNAP funding will lapse, leaving millions without critical aid,” stated Catherine Chen, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian American Federation.
Chen emphasized that the affected population is overwhelmingly working, despite struggling with financial hardship. “Ninety-one percent of working-age Asian New Yorkers who receive SNAP are employed—our communities are working hard, yet still struggling to make ends meet.”
With federal aid abruptly cut off, local community-based organizations and food pantries are straining their limited resources to fill the massive gap. Many groups specializing in culturally appropriate foods are facing an overwhelming surge in demand, forcing them to dip into their reserves.
“When one in four Asian New Yorkers live in or near poverty, cutting off SNAP funding harms our most vulnerable community members, including children, the elderly, veterans, and the disabled,” Chen added. “Our community organizations are doing everything they can, but they cannot replace federal aid.”
The AAF is calling on the public to support local organizations that are currently providing essential food relief to AAPI New Yorkers during the shutdown.
Among the groups mentioned that are providing food relief to AAPI New Yorkers are Asian Americans for Equality, Arab American Family Support Center, Chinese-American Planning Council, Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, and the South Asian Council for Social Services, among others.
Founded in 1989, the Asian American Federation serves as a leading advocacy organization for the 2.1 million Asian Americans in New York. The Federation’s work for low-income Asian American New Yorkers is carried out in partnership with over 70 community-based organizations.
These partners offer essential services in areas such as health and human services, education, economic development, civic engagement, and social justice. The AAF’s core mission is to amplify the collective voices of the community, engage with policymakers, and advocate for fairness and justice for vulnerable Asian New Yorkers.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
