Hunger Solutions New York, Feeding New York State, and food banks from across the state joined state lawmakers on Anti-Hunger Advocacy Day to call for a state budget that addresses New York’s hunger crisis.
One in ten New Yorkers, including nearly one in six children, struggle with hunger. The FY2025 state budget is a critical opportunity for Governor Hochul and the State Legislature to fund vital anti-hunger programs that will ensure all New Yorkers can put food on the table.
During Anti-Hunger Advocacy Day, we and our partners connected with more than 100 lawmakers, elevating the urgent need for state investments to alleviate food insecurity. Together, we called on New York State to:
Restore Full Funding for SNAP Outreach & Application Assistance
The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) helps eligible low-income New Yorkers connect to federally funded SNAP benefits. Last year, the Legislature added $2M in NOEP funding to increase SNAP assistors in high-need areas; however, the FY2025 Executive Budget did not sustain that funding. We urge the Legislature to restore full funding of $5.503M to maintain vital NOEP services. Every state dollar spent on SNAP outreach is federally matched.
Increase the SNAP Minimum Benefit to $100 Per Month
Nearly three million New Yorkers who rely on SNAP experienced significant cuts when pandemic emergency allotments ended in March. Households saw an average loss of $151 per month, with some now only receiving $23 per month for groceries. 66% of registered NY voters support a state supplement to create a more adequate minimum benefit of $100 per month.
Increase Funding for Nourish New York and the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP)
Last year, these programs enabled New York food banks to distribute more than 50 million pounds of food. At a time when food insecurity is on the rise in New York and across the country, a modest increase in funding—providing $75M for Nourish New York and $64M for HPNAP—would ensure emergency food providers have the necessary resources to support hungry New Yorkers.
Fully Fund Healthy School Meals for All New York Kids
New York can and must ensure universal access to school breakfast and lunch at no cost. Last year’s expansion of free school meals was a historic step; however, an estimated 320,000 students across the state were left behind. Universal school meals reduce food insecurity, support learning and health, lift children out of poverty, and save families $150 per month per child in food costs. 77% of registered New York voters support Healthy School Meals for All.
We urge lawmakers to fund these vital anti-hunger efforts alongside investments that address the root causes of hunger, including poverty and inequitable access to housing, health care, child care, and other basic needs. No New Yorker should go hungry. The FY2025 State Budget must ensure everyone in our state has consistent access to the food they need.
News Coverage Round Up
Increase in SNAP benefits, free school meals gets bipartisan support from New York lawmakers
New York Must Fully Fund Anti-Hunger Programs In The FY2025 State Budget
Show your support
Click the buttons below to send an email to New York State representatives and let them know that you support investments that work to alleviate hunger in New York.
