Earlier this month, Congress passed a reconciliation package, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” that includes unprecedented cuts to food assistance, healthcare, and education programs. Feeding New York State, the statewide association of New York’s food banks, urges the public to demand that their members of Congress reverse course and repeal the many harmful provisions included in this bill.
Dan Egan, the Executive Director of Feeding New York State, will be stepping down after more than six years of transformative leadership.
Dan joined Feeding New York State in March 2019, when the organization was operating with just 1.5 staff members (counting Dan) and limited resources. Today, thanks to his vision and tireless leadership, Feeding NYS enters Fiscal Year 2026 with a $4.2 million budget, a staff of 10, and national recognition for its impact and integrity. Programs like Nourish New York—a $55 million permanent initiative Egan personally conceived, advocated for, and helped launch—have become vital tools in connecting New York’s farmers with families in need.
The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a budget reconciliation package that will gut public safety net programs, including SNAP and Medicaid, to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. Feeding New York State is alarmed by the passage of this bill, which will be disastrous for millions of New Yorkers who rely on these programs for vital food and healthcare assistance.
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.
Albany, NY – The Second Annual Forum on Hunger and Food Insecurity in New York State brought together advocates, legislators, and New Yorkers with lived experience to discuss anti-hunger priorities for the FY2026 State Budget.
By David Lombardo
PUBLISHED: December 12th, 2024
Dec. 12, 2024 – Hunger persists as a major problem in New York, so a coalition has come together to push for a package of measures to address food insecurity in the budget. We discuss these solutions with state Sen. Rachel May, a Syracuse-area Democrat, and Ryan Healy, advocacy manager for Feeding New York State.
