Local Brooklyn Bakery Steps Up Amid SNAP Funding Freeze

BROOKLYN, NY — As the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Americans have lost access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, leaving many struggling to put food on the table.

During previous government shutdowns, reserve funds were used to maintain SNAP benefits, but this time, millions of New Yorkers face a truly harrowing situation. Every week, 1.8 million residents rely on food stamps, including 550,000 children and 545,000 older adults, officials said.

Governor Kathy Hochul allocated $30 million for emergency food assistance last week, but Council Member Lincoln Restler says it is not enough. Most SNAP recipients are children, the elderly, or people with disabilities, and in Brooklyn alone, more than 700,000 residents depend on the program, statistics show.

In response, local small businesses are stepping up to help, including one women-led bakery in Bed-Stuy, Je t’aime Patisserie.

The Brooklyn bakery, located at 471 Marcus Garvey Blvd. between Fulton and Decatur Streets, has stepped up to help neighbors affected by the SNAP benefits pause.

From Wednesday through Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., the bakery is offering free breakfast to SNAP and EBT recipients. Starting Nov. 1, the owner promised that anyone in need could stop by — all they have to do is show their SNAP or EBT card.

“Coming from a family who relies on SNAP/EBT, I know how important it is to many,” she wrote on social media. “I encourage the community to come together and help each other through this moment,” she continued, urging neighbors to donate a breakfast to someone in need if they are able.

Donations can be made on the bakery’s website, in person at the store, or via Cash App at $ohshine.

New Yorkers can also help by donating canned goods to local food banks, volunteering at soup kitchens, or supporting mutual aid groups. Some local organizations across Brooklyn include:

• CHiPS (Community Help in Park Slope)
• Vinegar Hill Food Pantry
• North Brooklyn Angels
• Women’s Empowerment Coalition of New York City
• Trinity Human Services Corporation
• St. Patrick's Church
• Southside United Housing Development Fund Corporation
• Seeds in the Middle
• People In Need, Inc.
• New York United Jewish Association, Inc.
• Masbia of Flatbush
• Make the Road New York
• Grant House Unity Corp.
• Grandma's Love, Inc.
• Crown Heights Youth Collective, Inc.