TOWN OF TONAWANDA, NY (WKBW) — More than 140,000 people across Erie County could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues past the end of October, local officials warned Friday.

County Executive Mark Poloncarz said SNAP benefits will not be issued by New York State for November if the federal shutdown remains in place. The heating assistance program, known as HEAP. will also be delayed, creating what he called a "heat or eat" situation for those residents.

"It's the perfect storm. It's the double whammy," said Poloncarz. "Because effective in November, not only will we not be able to pay recipients through SNAP benefits, we will not be able to begin the heat program, so we will not be able to pay for and assist with the utility costs. It is wrong. It is

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