Hello!

My name is Sarah Behnke, I am a disabled individual who relies on SNAP and live in New York City.

Due to the current government shutdown, over half the states in the US have issued warnings that those who receive government-assisted food aid will not be receiving their benefits for the month of October. This includes the state of New York.

Additionally, new rules have just taken effect that require you to prove your income and 80 hours of work per month, despite your health or disability. Even if you are disabled, the government still considers you an able-bodied person unless you are receiving additional disability benefits, and you are at risk of losing your assistance permanently.

Many individuals, including myself, rely heavily on this assistance. As a chronically ill person, having the security of knowing I’ll be able to afford healthy groceries no matter how my health and ability to work changes month to month has been a blessing. With the support removed, I and many others are left feeling unsure and worried about how we will provide for ourselves this upcoming month.

This will leave MANY in our state and city without an incredibly valuable resource and lead to more food insecurity. Those who are in the queer and disabled community are especially impacted. Please consider donating any amount you can, sharing, and especially sharing this resource with others you think may be affected!

If you’d like to apply to receive funds, please do so here: https://forms.gle/BYAUZLUy5bNfQ58S7

Our goal is to redistribute funds to cover at least 20 individuals. In New York, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a single person is $298. This brings our total goal to $5,960. However, we are more than happy with ANY amount that is received and will ensure funds are dispersed equally amongst ALL eligible applicants!

Additionally, we will be hosting a picnic potluck on Nov 8th in Central Park. More details in the poster above! Come get a free meal, make some friends, and build community!

*The Gofundme organizer, Sarah Behnke (myself) will be handling the donation bank transfer personally through my linked personal bank account. Once The money is deposited, I will equally distribute the funds to all seven eligible applicants equally in the form of a digital gift card to a grocer (Aldi, Kroger, Trader Joes, etc) of their choice. To be eligible, all applicants must have submitted an application at the form above, including documentation of their SNAP enrollment and ID. All eligible applicants have been contacted.