Officials in Yonkers announced the launch of a citywide food drive amid concerns about the possible loss of SNAP benefits.

Mayor Mike Spano said he understands just how frightening it is when food assistance is put at risk.

"This is very serious. This is when they talk about the rubber hitting the road. Well, you know what, the rubber has hit the road," Spano said.

Officials said 13% of residents in Yonkers rely on SNAP benefits.

To help protect those families, Mayor Spano launched a citywide food drive on Friday.

"We're going to ask residents, and encourage them, to donate shelf-stable items such as canned vegetables, beans, pasta, rice," Spano said.

Donations can be dropped off in one of the designated boxes through Nov. 21.

They're placed in locations all around the city and will help Feeding Westchester fight hunger in the county.

"As we prepare for Nov. 1, but also as we prepare for Thanksgiving, we want everyone to not be overwhelmed and think about the stresses of what it means to potentially lose your SNAP benefits tomorrow," said Feeding Westchester's Tami Wilson

Officials said the donations will go directly to those in need.

"The reality is that three quarters of our students are identified as economically disadvantaged...So, this does have a lasting impact on our kids," said Yonkers schools superintendent Anibal Soler, Jr.

Meanwhile, officials and others are calling on lawmakers in Washington to protect the people who have these benefits.

"Simply, put in more policies and try harder for it to not get to this point," said Empire State Service Corp member Orion Morgan.

To learn more about the food drive, click here. https://www.yonkersny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2062