New York is joining a coalition of 20 states in suing the Trump administration over a controversial request from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Advocates warn that this request could have a chilling effect on participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among those who are eligible and in need.
The mayor’s office in New York City has indicated that it is currently reviewing its options regarding the USDA’s mandate, which they assert will only exacerbate food insecurity in the city. Officials from New York and various anti-hunger organizations have criticized the USDA’s demand for personal information about food stamp recipients. The deadline for states to comply with this request was set for July 30, 2025.
In May 2023, the USDA mandated that states provide specific personal data, including names, dates of birth, personal addresses, and Social Security numbers for all SNAP recipients over the past five years. Failure to fulfill this request could result in a loss of federal funding.
Citing President Donald Trump’s executive order from March, the USDA claims this data collection is aimed at combating waste, fraud, and abuse within the program. Currently, approximately 2.9 million low-income New Yorkers—around 14 percent of the state’s population—are enrolled in SNAP, with nearly one-third of those being children.
On July 23, the USDA expanded its information request to include immigration status and details about household members. Advocates highlight that while undocumented immigrants are ineligible for SNAP, mixed-status families may contain U.S.-citizen children who qualify for the benefits.
In response to this controversial demand, 20 state attorneys general, including New York’s, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. However, according to the New York Attorney General’s Office, the compliance deadline remains in effect despite this legal action, compelling states and social service agencies to consider their responses.
In New York, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is responsible for managing and distributing SNAP benefits, while the Human Resource Administration (HRA) oversees the program at the city level. City Hall has not publicly declared its compliance with the USDA mandate but has condemned the request, stating, “We’re reviewing our options.”
A spokesperson for City Hall emphasized the concern that sharing such sensitive information could deter eligible New Yorkers from applying for essential services. They argued that withdrawing federal funding over non-compliance would only worsen food insecurity issues within the city.
The OTDA has also submitted a formal response requesting that the USDA withdraw its proposed notice. OTDA Commissioner Barbara Guinn cited legal, operational, and ethical concerns related to the creation of what is termed the National SNAP Information Database. Guinn criticized the demand, arguing that disclosing sensitive information violates privacy safeguards and undermines effective administration of the SNAP program.
Food insecurity in New York rose to 4.7 percent of households from 2021 to 2023. As of March 2025, there are 1.75 million households across the state relying on SNAP assistance. The demographics of SNAP recipients show that children make up 30 percent, elderly individuals account for 21 percent, and non-elderly disabled residents comprise 10 percent of the enrollees.
Krista Hesdorfer, Director of Public Affairs at Hunger Solutions New York, expressed her organization’s concerns regarding the data request, particularly its potential to dissuade eligible individuals from participating in the program. Advocates report that fear is already affecting immigrant communities, with increased anxiety around deportation efforts by the Trump administration.
The data-sharing request could lead to heightened reluctance among individuals who are entitled to benefits. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, emphasized that while undocumented immigrants may be ineligible for SNAP, many legal immigrants choose not to apply due to fear of repercussions.
USDA defends its data-sharing request as a necessary measure to eliminate “data silos” and to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of federal funds. The Trump administration is pursuing multiple avenues to gather immigration-related information from various government agencies, including plans for data-sharing between ICE and the IRS, utilizing Medicaid databases, and establishing agreements between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Homeland Security.
Berg highlighted the prevailing fear among legal beneficiaries, stating, “People are more afraid than ever to apply for the benefits to which they’re legally eligible.” The anxiety extends beyond applying for SNAP, affecting individuals who feel compelled to avoid food pantries and soup kitchens, and causing some to seek assistance through friends for grocery shopping.
Despite the USDA request failing to directly mention immigration enforcement, advocates believe the intent is to facilitate authorities in locating individuals at risk of deportation. City Hall reinforced its commitment to ensuring that families have access to food and highlighted the importance of SNAP in supporting New Yorkers. A spokesperson stated, “SNAP helps thousands of New Yorkers put food on their tables, and we are dedicated to ensuring everyone who needs these benefits can feel comfortable accessing them, regardless of their immigration status.”
This ongoing situation raises significant concerns about the intersection of food security and immigration policy in the United States.
image source from：citylimits
