More than 250 state and local organizations are urging New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to include a package of food and nutrition priorities in her upcoming executive budget proposal, according to a letter sent to the governor.
The groups are requesting:
- Statewide universal free school meals
- $100 SNAP minimum benefit for all participating New Yorkers
- State-funded SNAP benefits for New Yorkers currently excluded on the basis of immigration status
- Continued funding for SNAP navigators to help eligible New Yorkers connect with federally-funded nutrition programs
- Additional funding for statewide nutrition assistance programs that support operations for food banks, pantries, shelters, and community-based organizations
“Our organizations recognize that these initiatives alone will not end hunger and poverty in New York State,” the letter, dated Dec. 4, reads. “It is without question that more is needed to strengthen wages; ensure access to affordable housing, childcare, and health care; and address systemic injustices that perpetuate inequality. However, through these investments, we can meet urgent food security needs and help affirm healthy food as a basic human right for all New Yorkers.”
The requests come following a report in May from the state comptroller’s office finding that food insecurity rates rose significantly in 2022, coinciding with the expiration of COVID-era initiatives like SNAP Emergency Allotments, child nutrition waivers that allowed schools to provide universal free school meals and the temporary child tax credit expansion.
Hochul will outline her executive budget proposals in January.
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