A cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program taking effect in April has food pantries across Western New York concerned about whether they'll be able to keep up with increased demand.

"The number of individuals coming to our food pantries will definitely rise," said FeedMore WNY Government Affairs Manager Lauren Picone. "We're expecting an increase of 12,000 individuals who are going to be losing their benefits."

To fully understand what exactly is being lost and its impact on food banks: for every meal these pantries are able to provide, SNAP provided 12.

"The rule has always been in place but for many years Erie County has had a waiver," said First Deputy Commissioner of Erie County Social Services, Karen Rybicki.

Rybicki says any waivers that Erie County was once able to provide are eliminated. The change applies to anyone between the ages of 18 and 49 without children. The elderly, disabled, and pregnant women are excluded.

"One of the requirements is that they need to be working," said Rybicki.

FeedMore WNY says they are preparing partner agencies for the influx of new clients by providing them with more grant money.

Resources, however, are already limited and representatives say the change will put a further strain on their ministry.

"It’s more than just food, it’s impacting our agencies. All these families of people who don't expect to lose their benefits and then one day it’s just gone," added Picone.

FeedMore WNY says they are in need of more donations and volunteers.

Representatives say they plan to lobby in Albany for an appeal on the rule.