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County Executive Garnar Highlights Countywide Response as SNAP Benefits Are Fully Released Statewide

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County today announced the distribution of 2,000 boxes of food to residents across the county. This effort is made possible through the partnership of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and the Broome County Office of Emergency Services. The food is being made available to rural households and local veterans through coordinated pickup sites throughout the community.

County Executive Jason Garnar noted that this distribution is part of a countywide response to support residents affected by delayed federal SNAP benefits. More than 16,000 local families were impacted before New York State released full benefits early last week. With statewide SNAP payments fully released, Broome County’s State of Emergency – declared October 31, 2025 – formally ends today, November 19, 2025.  

The food distribution is supported through $200,000 in emergency food assistance funding made available through a reallocation from a Broome County Sheriff’s Office trust account, secured in coordination with Sheriff Fred Akshar, County Executive Garnar, and the Broome County Attorney. Of this funding, $15,000 is dedicated to rural food boxes, and an additional $15,000 allocated from Broome County’s Veterans Fund is supporting food boxes for local veterans. With every $1 providing 3 meals, Broome County’s total investment represents more than 645,000 meals for families in need.

Each food box contains 15 shelf-stable items designed to help create complete, comforting meals, including pancake mix and syrup, spaghetti and sauce, and more.

Veterans must show a valid Veterans ID to receive one food box at one of the following pickup locations:

• Timothy M. Grippen Veterans Resource Center

11 Frederick Street, Binghamton, NY 13901

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• American Legion Post 1645

177 Robinson Street, Binghamton, NY 13904

Hours: Saturday – Thursday, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Families in rural communities in need can receive one food box at one of the following pickup locations:

• Northern Broome Senior Center

12 Strongs Place, Whitney Point, NY 13862

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Eastern Broome Senior Center

27 Golden Lane, Colesville, NY 13787

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

 

• Deposit Senior Center

14 Monument Street, Deposit, NY 13754

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Western Broome Senior Center

2801 Wayne Street, Endwell, NY 13760

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Town of Windsor

124 Main Street, Windsor, NY 13865

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m./1 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Town of Fenton

44 Park Street, Port Crane, NY 13833

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Town of Triangle

2612 Liberty Street, Whitney Point, NY 13862

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Town of Chenango

1529 Route 12, Binghamton, NY 13901

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The list of locations are also available on www.broomecountyny.gov/foodassistance.

Throughout the period of delayed benefits, Broome County agencies and community partners worked together to meet the increased need. Broome County Transit provided more than 2,000 no-cost rides for SNAP recipients traveling to and from food access sites. CHOW saw more than double its typical call volume, and United Way of Broome County’s 2-1-1 help line received nearly ten times the usual number of calls.

As of November 10, 2025, New York State has issued full SNAP benefits. Residents are encouraged to continue completing all SNAP requirements including recertifications, periodic reports, and reporting changes. New applications are still being accepted. For more information or to apply/renew SNAP benefits, visit mybenefits.ny.gov or contact the Broome County Department of Social Services at 607-778-8850.

Residents are also reminded to protect themselves from scams targeting EBT cardholders. While certain Temporary Assistance benefits may be replaced if stolen electronically (card skimming, cloning, third party misrepresentation or other similar fraudulent methods such as phishing), SNAP benefits cannot be replaced. For more information on preventing theft, scams, and fraud, visit the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website at www.otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt.

Even with benefits fully released, the need for food assistance in our community remains significant. Broome County will continue providing support and ensuring residents have access to the resources they need. Food assistance information, including pantry locations and community meals will be continually updated at www.broomecountyny.gov/foodassistance.

Featuring Seventh Straight Property Tax Rate Cut, New Youth Bureau, and Record Mental Health Investment

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Broome County Legislature has passed the 2026 Broome County Budget, continuing the county’s strong track records of fiscal responsibility, affordability, and community investment. The budget delivers a property tax rate cut for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming Broome County’s commitment to keeping life affordable for working families, seniors, and local businesses, while making targeted investments in critical services that strengthen the community.  

The 2026 budget balances affordability with progress, ensuring residents keep more of what they earn while the county invests in programs that improve quality of life across every corner of Broome County.

Highlights of the 2026 Broome County Budget include:

• Seventh consecutive property tax rate cut: Delivering meaningful tax relief for residents and businesses, part of Broome County’s ongoing effort to make living and working here more affordable.
• Creation of the Broome County Youth Bureau: A new department dedicated to supporting childcare, youth development, after-school programs, and family engagement across the county.
• $500,000 for the Small Community Fund: Providing direct funding to towns and villages for local infrastructure and quality-of-life projects.
• Major expansion of the Mobile Crisis Program: One of the largest investments in mental health in county history, expanding mental health crisis response services and ensuring help is available when residents need it most.

“This budget shows that we can make Broome County more affordable while continuing to invest in the people and programs that make our community stronger,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “For seven straight years, we’ve lowered the property tax rate, and at the same time, we’re investing resources into mental health, public safety and infrastructure. That’s what responsible, people-first budgeting looks like.”

Garnar added, “I want to thank Legislature Chairman Dan Reynolds, Finance Committee Chair Steve Flagg, and all of our Legislators who came together to pass a budget that focuses on both affordability and investment, helping families today while building for tomorrow.”

The 2026 budget reflects Broome County’s continued focus on keeping costs down for taxpayers while making strategic, high-impact investments in core priorities like youth programs, public safety, and mental health care.