Elected officials in Rockland County met with representatives of People to People, a local food pantry, to discuss the effects federal food assistance tax cuts will have on the county and its residents.

News 12 spoke with People to People's CEO Diane Serratore, who says the recent rising costs of living have affected pantry donations, even though the demand is exponential.

"We are seeing more senior households coming to us for help, more veterans coming to us for help, more working families with children," she said.

County officials say the problem is being compounded by federal cuts to "The Emergency Food Assistance Program."

County officials projects a $20,000,000 cut to federal nutrition funding in Rockland alone, following the passage of Republican-led legislation in Washington.

"As of August 2023, approximately 14% of Rockland County residents were receiving SNAP benefits. That's approximately 47,000 people," said Legislator Dana G. Stilley, who represents District 17.

Republicans made that switch, saying the U.S. needs to reduce federal spending, increase work incentives for benefits and improve accountability in food programs.

Local organizations say they just want to get help to those who need it.