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Local Leaders and Community Partners Outline Food Assistance Resources for Residents in Need

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar has declared a State of Emergency in Broome County in response to the federal governments suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Today, County Executive Garnar was joined by local leaders State Senator Lea Webb, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, City of Binghamton Mayor Kraham, Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar, and community partners from the Broome County Council of Churches – CHOW, Food Bank of the Southern Tier, and United Way of Broome County to address the ongoing uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits and to provide important information on local food resources for residents in need.

Working with County Executive Garnar and our Broome County Attorney, Sheriff Akshar was able to reallocate $200,000 from a BCSO trust account to purchase emergency food for our local pantries.

“In times of crisis, our community always comes together, despite any political differences, to ensure our families have what they need,” said Sheriff Akshar. “This funding was intended for public safety, but helping ensure no child goes hungry is an essential part of building a safer, stronger community. We need our leaders in Washington to follow suit and come together to ensure our communities don’t go hungry.”

According to the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA):

“Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits may be delayed. SNAP benefits cannot be issued for November unless the federal government shutdown ends, or other federal action provides necessary funding. SNAP households will be notified by November 1, 2025, on the status of November SNAP benefits. Updates will be posted on the OTDA website, myBenefits, ebtEDGE, and through text messages to SNAP households.”

If you receive SNAP benefits and do not yet see your payment pending in your account, please do not be alarmed. SNAP benefits are normally distributed between November 1–10, and there is still time for the federal government to resolve the funding hold and release funds to New York State for disbursement.

New York State has advised local districts to continue accepting all SNAP applications and to process recertifications for existing cases as usual. Once the Federal Government authorizes the release of funds, pending SNAP applications will be issued to clients’ EBT cards promptly.

Please continue to:

• Keep your scheduled appointments
• Attend interviews
• Provide any requested documentation

Doing so will help ensure timely access to SNAP benefits once the federal hold is lifted.

Food assistance:

Residents in need of immediate food assistance can dial 2-1-1 to be connected with available food pantries, community meals, and other local support programs. Use the Food Bank of the Southern Tier’s Find Food Tool to locate nearby food resources.

For a list of food pantries and community meal sites within the City of Binghamton, visit: City of Binghamton Food Resources. For a countywide list of food pantries and community meal sites, excluding the City of Binghamton, visit: Broome County Food Resources.

The Broome County Office for Aging would like to remind residents that Broome County Senior Centers offer hot lunches Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). The suggested contribution for a meal is $4.00 for individuals aged 60 and over and their spouse of any age. No one aged 60 or older will be refused a meal due to an inability or unwillingness to pay. Reservation must be made by noon the day before you wish to attend. Broome County’s Senior Center locations can be found at https://broomecountyny.gov/senior/scc.

Transportation:

To ensure residents can reach available food resources, Broome County Transit is offering rides at no cost to food resource sites for SNAP recipients. Simply show your SNAP EBT card to the driver when boarding, and you can ride at no cost to and from any food access location in Broome County. In addition, the usual limit on groceries carried on transit vehicles is temporarily waived to make it easier for residents to pick up larger amounts of food. For BC Transit routes, visit https://broomecountyny.gov/transit/routes.

How to help:

Community members looking to support local food access programs can donate money, volunteer, or drop off non-perishable food items. Monetary donations can be made to CHOW, Food Bank of the Southern Tier, or United Way of Broome County.

Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at CHOW (3 Otseningo Street, Binghamton) or the Food Bank of the Southern Tier (388 Upper Oakwood Avenue, Elmira).

Updates, food assistance resources, and ways to give or volunteer can all be found on Broome County’s website at https://broomecountyny.gov/foodassistance.

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar today announced the appointment of Hal McCabe as the county’s new Deputy County Executive for Physical Services.

McCabe brings more than two decades of hands-on experience in public administration, government relations, and political leadership at the local, state, and federal levels.

From 2017 to 2025, McCabe served as Mayor of the Village of Homer, where he managed a multi-department operation including Public Works, Water and Sewer, Fire, Police, Recreation and Code Enforcement. During his tenure, he successfully secured more than $15 million in state and federal grants, including a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award and $1 million in Restore NY funding.

Under his leadership, the village implemented several infrastructure upgrades, created innovative community programs, and achieved fiscal stability without raising taxes. Homer also became one of the first Climate Smart Bronze communities in New York State and the only one where the process was entirely led by students.

“Hal has a proven track record of managing complex operations, securing major infrastructure improvements, and delivering real results for the communities he serves,” said Garnar. “His leadership and extensive experience across all levels of government will be invaluable as we continue improving Broome County’s infrastructure and services.”

“Broome County has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today, instilling in me the values of hard work, resilience, and loyalty. My introduction to municipal service began with a summer job in the Town of Vestal Water Department in 1990, and most of my lifelong friendships were formed right here,” said McCabe. “Having spent more than half my life in Broome County, I am deeply honored to once again serve this community and to work alongside an exceptional team dedicated to building a stronger, brighter future for all our residents.”

As Deputy County Executive for Physical Services, McCabe will oversee 20 departments, ensuring coordinated operations and strategic investment in Broome County’s infrastructure and physical assets.

(BINGHAMTON, NY) – Today, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar joined by Major General Raymond Shields, Adjutant General of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, City of Binghamton Mayor Kraham, local veterans, community leaders, and partner organizations, gathered at 11 Frederick Street on Binghamton’s northside to celebrate the grand opening and officially cut the ribbon on Broome County’s brand-new Veterans Resource Center, accompanied by 10 tiny homes for veterans.

This $12.2 million project represents nearly a decade of planning and partnership, beginning when County Executive Garnar first took office. The site fulfills a long-standing goal to create a comprehensive hub where veterans can access housing, services and community all in one place.

The development features ten ADA-accessible tiny homes – six one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units – fully furnished and equipped with on-site laundry. The homes will be managed by Soldier On, a nonprofit organization that provides permanent supportive housing and wraparound services for veterans. Residents will also have access to a community garden, created in partnership with VINES (Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments), giving veterans the opportunity to grow fresh produce and connect through shared outdoor space.

The new Veterans Resource Center will serve as a one-stop hub for local veterans, featuring office space for Broome County Veterans Services, Clear Path for Veterans, and the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group. The center includes a community room for educational programs, veteran events, and peer support gatherings. The Food Bank of the Southern Tier will also conduct regular mobile pantry visits to the site.

“This project has been years in the making, and it wouldn’t have been possible without strong support from our state and federal partners, along with the Broome County Legislature,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “This site represents a major investment in those who served our country, and I’m proud that we’re honoring Tim Grippen’s legacy with a project that will provide care, stability, and hope for veterans for years to come.”

“Our Veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms we enjoy every day,” said County Legislature Chairman Dan J. Reynolds. “The opening of the Veterans Resource Center and tiny homes is about making sure we give something meaningful back. This Center will serve as a hub of respect, gratitude and opportunity for Veterans in Broome County.”

The center is named in honor of Tim Grippen, a Vietnam War veteran and former Broome County Executive who dedicated his life to public service. His daughter, Kara Grippen, joined today’s ceremony to share remarks honoring her father’s legacy and his lifelong commitment to veterans and the community.

The project was made possible through $12.2 million in total funding, including $9.43 million in local funding, $1.77 million from the state, and $1 million in federal support from former Congressman Marc Molinaro, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Governor Kathy Hochul, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, State Senator Lea Webb, former State Senator and current Sheriff Fred Akshar, and Empire State Development.

“Our Southern Tier veterans sacrificed to protect our freedom, and it is our duty to take care of them and ensure they have a safe, affordable place to call home. I’m proud that $1 million in federal funding I secured for the Broome County Veterans Resource Center will help dozens of local veterans get access to affordable housing. I applaud Broome County’s work increasing access to housing and resources for its veterans, and I will continue working to deliver more affordable housing for the Southern Tier and across New York,” said Senator Chuck Schumer.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “It’s a wonderful day in Broome County as we celebrate the grand opening of the Veterans Resource Center and Tiny Homes community in time for Veterans Day. The center will provide the kind of comprehensive support veterans need and deserve, along with opportunities for housing. I’m proud to have joined together with many government partners and community leaders to support of this project. The $500K Assembly grant I secured is in recognition of the sacrifices our veterans have made, and the debt of gratitude we owe to each and every one of them.”

“Today marks an important moment for our community as we celebrate the grand opening of the Timothy M. Grippen Veterans Resource Center, a place dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have served our nation,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “This new facility, along with the nearby tiny homes, reflects our community’s deep commitment to ensuring that veterans have access to safe housing, essential services, and the dignity they deserve. Supporting our veterans is not just a gesture of gratitude, it is a responsibility we proudly uphold.”

“Upstate New York has always come together to deliver for those who put their lives on the line in service of this country and our values. Thank you to everyone who helped make the new Timothy M. Grippen Veterans Resource Center a reality. This project honors a man who never stopped serving his community and keeps faith with our veterans by putting real support, housing, services, and community close to home. In Congress — and alongside you here at home — I am fighting to make sure our veterans get the care, support, and every opportunity their service has earned,” said Congressman