A three‑month clock began Sunday for able‑bodied New York adults without dependents who receive SNAP benefits.

Those who are not working at least 80 hours a month by the end of that period could lose their benefits for up to three years.

A local food bank said around 300,000 households in New York could be affected by the new requirements.

Gregory May of Island Harvest Food Bank said SNAP provides far more meals than food banks can supply. "For every one meal a food bank like Island Harvest provides, SNAP provides nine," he said at the end of his statement. "We're not going to be able to make up the difference for folks who are losing access to SNAP."

Work requirements can be met through jobs, volunteer or community service, or education, as long as it is approved through the program.