Food Bank For NYC, City Harvest, and United Way Applaud 2025 New York Budget Wins, Urge Stronger Action on Hunger Relief

At a time when New Yorkers are facing an affordability crisis and an onslaught of threats and cuts to critical federal programs that support New Yorkers in need, the New York State budget delivers on many important investments. Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie, and our dedicated champions in the Legislature have made critical investments to provide much-needed relief to New Yorkers. However, the final budget falls short of fortifying the food assistance network in the face of rising costs and canceled federal food programs. We celebrate the very real wins for New Yorkers, all of which were made possible by the strong and persistent advocacy of everyday New Yorkers who made it clear that New York needs a budget that fights hunger and builds food security.

In a particularly challenging budget cycle, we recognize the State’s commitment to maintaining last year’s funding levels for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and Nourish NY—an investment that falls short of the requested $75 million ask for each program. At the same time, we remain committed to working with our partners in Albany to advocate for increased investments in food programs that support food pantries, soup kitchens, and the communities they serve—while also benefiting local food producers across New York State.

One of the most significant wins in this budget is the expansion of Universal School Meals, a long-fought victory that will ensure every child in New York State has dignified access to nutritious meals, regardless of their family’s income. Funding for the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) was secured, ensuring that more New Yorkers have critical resources and support to access SNAP.

Beyond food assistance, this budget also takes important steps toward affordability and stability for New York families, including:

• $50 million in funding for Housing Vouchers that will help provide greater stability for New Yorkers struggling with housing insecurity
• $1 billion tax cut for middle-class and low-income New Yorkers, a nearly double increase to the Child Tax Credit for eligible families
• $2.2 billion investment expanding access to childcare statewide, including a $350 million investment to save childcare subsidies for tens of thousands of New York City families.

These investments reflect the understanding that addressing root causes of hunger—like housing and childcare—is essential to creating lasting food security.

While we celebrate these hard-won victories, there is still more to be done. The $100 minimum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit was not included, despite strong support from pantry leaders in our network of emergency food providers. This reform remains a priority for us, and we will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen food security for all New Yorkers.

We thank the over five thousand New Yorkers who signed our petition and sent letters to their elected officials and over one hundred pantry leaders who joined us in Albany at rallies and meetings, tirelessly advocating for deeper investments in food security. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the 115 Senators and Assemblymembers who have championed these issues. Their commitment to fighting hunger has made a real difference in the lives of millions of New Yorkers.

At the federal level, funding cuts have already led to canceled food orders and fewer meals for those in dire need. In the face of these challenges, New York must lead. We urge our city leaders to make meaningful investments in Community Food Connections (CFC) and other local initiatives that serve our most vulnerable neighbors. Strong leadership and bold action are needed to ensure that every New Yorker has dignified access to the food they need to thrive.

Together, we’ve taken a significant step forward, but our work is not done. We look forward to continuing this fight, alongside our partners, elected leaders, and the communities we proudly serve.