Feeding New York State, the state association of New York’s 10 Feeding America food banks, thanks Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for approving a budget that includes important investments to fight hunger. Despite uncertainty around federal policy, our state leaders have responded to the requests of food banks, coalitions, community leaders, and everyday New Yorkers. However, more is needed.

Our organizations applaud the historic significance of guaranteeing universal free school meals for all New York children. Not only will New York join the movement of states stepping up to ensure universal school meals, but this investment will also generate significant cost savings for families and support the health, well-being, and academic achievement of every child in our state. We are thrilled to see Healthy School Meals for All included in this year’s budget.

Additionally, the budget includes a significant expansion of our state’s Child Tax Credit and the creation of a statewide rental assistance program. At a time when Congress is considering a budget reconciliation package that could threaten healthcare, housing, and food assistance for millions of Americans, this budget offers relief for millions of New Yorkers.

Despite these advancements, more is needed to fight hunger and poverty. For example, while the Senate and Assembly both proposed increased funding for Nourish New York and the Hunger Prevention & Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), the budget maintains current funding levels. Additionally, bipartisan legislation to establish a SNAP minimum benefit of $100 is not reflected in the final budget. With demand at food distributions rising across the state, compounded by recent cuts to federally funded food distribution programs, flat funding for hunger relief programs will make it challenging for food providers to meet the need, and even harder for the growing number of New Yorkers who depend on these services.

Ultimately, this budget makes a number of important and timely investments to reduce hunger and poverty across New York State. It also includes high-impact policy in the form of universal school meals for all. Our state must continue to build upon these critical investments to affirm healthy food as a basic human right.

Every New Yorker deserves access to affordable, nutritious and culturally relevant food. We will continue to stand alongside our community, member food banks, organizational partners, and coalitions to make this a reality for all New Yorkers.