As the federal government shutdown threatens to halt food assistance benefits starting Nov. 1, Upstate New York businessman and philanthropist Jeff Knauss has launched a community relief fund to help affected families.
Knauss and his family donated $10,000 to kickstart the effort, which will provide up to $150 in Wegmans gift cards to households in need across Central and Western New York.
He emphasized that access to healthy food is a human right, not a privilege.
The relief program will accept requests online and distribute aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Wegmans gift cards can be picked up in person at designated locations in Syracuse and Rochester, ensuring the assistance goes directly to local families in need.
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