Tri-county leaders to discuss projected SNAP cost increases
Leaders from Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties are scheduled to discuss projected increases in local SNAP administrative costs at a Sept. 11 press conference.
By the ClickNNY North Country Desk
Leaders from Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties are scheduled to hold a press conference at 1 p.m. Sept. 11 to discuss changes to federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the potential effect on local governments.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, the federal share of SNAP administrative costs is expected to fall from 50% to 25%. Under New York’s current funding structure, counties would be responsible for 75% of those costs. The change is projected to create nearly $460 million in new annual SNAP costs for the 57 counties outside New York City. Lewis County’s additional cost is estimated at about $300,000.
The counties are also considering the possible effect of costs tied to SNAP payment error rates. A payment error occurs when benefits are higher or lower than the amount for which a household is eligible; it is not the same as fraud.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.
ClickNNY Guide · Thousand Islands
Fishing the St. Lawrence River after summer: a fall and ice fishing guide to the Thousand Islands
When the tour boats leave, the St. Lawrence becomes a different river. Here's what's biting in the fall, how ice fishing works, exactly what to bring, how to stay safe, and where to stay, whether you're visiting for the first time or have lived here all your life.
ClickNNY Guide · Fort Drum
Your first North Country winter: a survival guide for Fort Drum soldiers from the South
Never driven on snow, owned a snow blower or felt a February morning at Fort Drum? Here's what to wear, what to keep in your car and how to get through your first lake-effect winter.
ClickNNY Guide · Winter
Are we ready for another North Country winter?
From heating bills and snow tires to lake-effect storms and the first big snowfall, Northern New York is getting ready for another winter. But how prepared are we really?