Malta pizzeria steps up to help families amid government shutdown

The government shutdown has now stretched into its fourth week, and starting this Saturday, November 1, no new benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP — will be issued to recipients across New York.

As thousands of families brace for the impact, one Saratoga County pizzeria is stepping in to make sure children don’t go hungry.

For Tyler Dunleavy, owner of Sergio’s Pizza in Malta, the issue hits close to home.

“My mom was a single mother, so I grew up on welfare,” Dunleavy said. “So I know it’s important for people to have those things.”

With SNAP benefits expected to run out this weekend, Sergio’s Pizza will begin offering free personal pizzas for kids under eighteen every Monday and Thursday. Families in need are encouraged to ask for the “SNAP Pie,” which will be provided free of charge.

Dunleavy says the initiative is his way of giving back.

“A lot of people rely on those benefits and need those things to survive,” he said. “With them being down during the government shutdown, it’s the best way I can help.”

The ongoing shutdown and uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits have also left many families worried about what will come next. Paul Caradori, a Waterford resident and regular at Sergio’s, says he’s grateful for the pizzeria’s generosity but fears for the future.

“Especially with a little granddaughter right here, you wonder what the future is going to bring,” Caradori said. “It’s nice to know that people are willing to step up in these times of need.”

Saratoga County has more than 14,000 residents who rely on SNAP benefits, and as the shutdown continues, local food pantries are seeing an increase in demand. Officials from the Malta Community Center Food Pantry say they’ve noticed several new families coming in for help.

“There seem to be quite a few new families that we have never seen before,” said Kristan Gottmann, Parks and Recreation Director and Human Services Coordinator for Malta.

“We’ve had some new people come in, and they have to be residents of Saratoga County. But we’ve definitely seen more first-time visitors.”

As for Dunleavy, he says helping others is about more than just food — it’s about community.

“I’m just grateful that I’m in a position where I can help,” he said. “And I think anyone else who’s in a position should do the same.”

Dunleavy also plans to organize a food drive soon to support local families in need. More information will be shared on Sergio’s Pizza’s Facebook page.

For Related Stories: Tyler Dunleavy  SNAP PIE  SNAP  Sergio’s Pizza  Malta Community Center Food Pantry  Malta