New York state’s Department of Veterans Services is actively assisting the families of service members who need food, diapers, formula and other critical items during the government shutdown.
“Operation Baby” is attempting to fill in the gaps for veterans with children that local food pantries cannot.
“Whatever you think the need is, multiply it by 10,” said Josh Fitzpatrick, director of public information for the state Department of Veterans Services.
If you are interested in contributing, call the Department of Veterans Services at 888-838-7697 or visit veterans.ny.gov.
Additionally, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs hasn’t gone unscathed by the government shutdown.
The funding lapse is having an impact on key services for former military members, including the 100,000 enrollees in the VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program.
These services help vets with job training, job counseling and case management.
While the federal program is currently off line, here in New York, there’s some good news: a new collaboration will help those service members who guide veterans through the VA claims process.
Albany Law School, the Department of Veterans Services, and the New York Health Foundation are launching the program together in 2026.