GOWANDA, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency to unlock $65 million in state funds for emergency food assistance as federal SNAP benefits are set to be paused this Saturday due to a funding stalemate on Capitol Hill.

Nearly 3 million New Yorkers will be without their SNAP benefits starting November 1. Hochul said the state emergency funds will help food banks and provide about 40 million meals to New Yorkers.

The governor is also deploying the "Empire State Service Corps" to support local food banks across the state.

As state leaders step in to keep food on tables, experts say rural pantries could feel the biggest impact, with more people turning to food assistance than ever before.

WATCH: Rural food pantries in WNY prepare for impact of federal SN

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