Achieving Food Security in the New York State Budget

Right now, billions in state funding are being decided while half of NYC families struggle with basics. Tell your representatives to prioritize food, childcare, and housing in the New York State Budget!

The Need is Greater Than Ever

Food pantries are stretched thin trying to meet the community need for food that’s now higher than before the pandemic.

But together, we can change that.

We’re Fighting for access to food for all New Yorkers.

Join us in advocating for a New York State budget that strengthens food bank programs to meet the rising needs of our communities. Together, we can provide more New Yorkers with fresh food, vital resources, and financial relief they need to thrive in 2026.

Explore our top three state budget priorities below.

Strengthen Food Assistance Programs for New Yorkers

Food pantries are a lifeline for New Yorkers facing food insecurity. That’s why we’re fighting to expand the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and Nourish New York — two vital programs that power our city’s food pantries and connect New Yorkers to fresh, local food. Current impact:

600+

NYC food pantries supported by HPNAP

$150M

in direct benefits through NNY

4K

NYS food producers supported by NNY

Protect and Support SNAP

SNAP is our nation’s most powerful tool against hunger. We’re fighting to ensure SNAP is fully funded, to protect these vital benefits and to fill gaps left by federal cuts in order to keep this essential anti-hunger program running effectively. Current impact:

1.8M

New Yorkers rely on SNAP

$11.3B+

in statewide economic impact from SNAP

25%

of eligible New Yorkers don’t receive benefits

Act now to support critical food assistance programs!

Raise your voice to ensure that our local food pantries can feed more New Yorkers in 2026!

Email Your Legislator

…to support food security in New York State!

Be an Advocate

…and sign up for Advocacy updates to help shape a food-secure tomorrow for all New Yorkers!

Recent Highlights

Food Bank For NYC libby crown
Press, SNAP| January 15, 2026|
A United Call to Make New York More Affordable
Food Bank For NYC libby crown
News| June 16, 2025|
Food Bank For NYC, City Harvest, and United Way Applaud 2025 New York Budget Wins, Urge Stronger Action on Hunger Relief
Zac Hall, SVP of Programs, Nutrition Education, speaks with fellow Food Bank For NYC advocates on the steps of City Hall April 2025.
News| June 2, 2025|
‘An Existential Threat’: Food Bank For NYC Responds to Proposed SNAP Cuts
Food Bank For NYC libby crown
News| January 16, 2025|
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State Address: Joint Statement with City Harvest & United Way NYC
News| July 8, 2024|
FY25 NYC Budget Statement from FBNYC CEO Leslie Gordon
Press| April 26, 2024|
Food Bank For NYC’s Statement in Response to the FY25 NY State Budget
Food Bank NYC orange bags with hygene products
News| April 21, 2023|
1 Million New York Households Lost $95 or More in SNAP Benefits

Become a Food Security Advocate with Food Bank

From mobilizing leaders and clients from our member, community-based network to educating and activating our supporters, you can be part of actions to ensure all New Yorkers achieve food security for good.