HPNAP and Nourish New York are not just hunger relief programs — they are investments in New York’s people, economy, and agricultural future. By strengthening these programs through sustained funding and smart administrative reforms, New York can continue to lead the nation in ensuring that every family has access to healthy, local food.
Food insecurity affects nearly 3 million New Yorkers, with 60% of households living paycheck to paycheck (Feeding America, Map the Meal Gap). Hunger is at its highest level in five years, with more than 1 in 10 New Yorkers experiencing food insufficiency — surpassing early pandemic levels. Households with children are especially vulnerable. Black and Hispanic New Yorkers face food insufficiency rates more than twice that of white New Yorkers. Statewide hunger relief organizations — food banks, food pantries, and emergency meal providers — rely heavily on HPNAP and Nourish NY funding to meet community needs. 90% of organizations report
Federal Actions are Deepening the Crisis H.R. 1 and other federal proposals threaten to reduce SNAP eligibility for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid will directly erode household food budgets and worsen affordability challenges. As federal nutrition programs contract, state programs like HPNAP and Nourish NY must be strengthened to fill the widening gap.
Governor Hochul recently announced the expedited release of $30 million in funding owed to our network of food banks and emergency food providers, along with an additional $65 million in new funding to support New Yorkers during the ongoing government shutdown. This announcement came as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) froze SNAP funding through November. Following a recent lawsuit, the USDA has agreed to use $4.65 billion in contingency funding to distribute SNAP benefits—yet this is only about half of what’s needed to fully cover November—and delays in benefit allocation are still expected. We are deeply grateful for the
As of October 1, 2025, Congress has failed to pass a government funding agreement, triggering a federal government shutdown. While the scope of harm will depend on the shutdown’s duration, we acknowledge that millions of federal employees, contractors, and the public services they provide will be negatively impacted. Feeding New York State urges Congress to act without delay, end the shutdown, and pass a funding bill that protects healthcare and ensures stability for New York families.
By David Guistina
PUBLISHED: July 24, 2025
July 24, 2025 – WAMC’s David Guistina in conversation with Dan Egan, Executive Director of Feeding New York State, about growing hunger in the state and around the country.
