BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County officials are warning residents who rely on federal assistance programs to prepare for possible disruptions if the ongoing federal government shutdown extends into November.
The county says more than 78,000 households — representing over 140,000 people — could miss their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits next month.
County Executive Mark Poloncarz and other local leaders have urged residents to make contingency plans while Congress works to resolve the funding impasse…