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
