Advocates Urge Governor to Support Bills Targeting Childhood Hunger and Fund Relief Efforts in 2026 Executive Budget
Hundreds of community organizations across New York are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to support bills targeting childhood hunger and fund relief efforts in the upcoming 2026 Executive Budget. This comes as a response to the rising poverty and food insecurity in the state, following the expiration of pandemic-era programs that expanded Child Tax Credits, free school meals, and SNAP benefits.
Key Proposals
The push for more child care and public assistance comes from two recent sources: EdTrust-New York, focusing on relevant bills from the last Legislative Session, and a letter from over 200 groups, including the American Civic Association, No Kid Hungry New York, and the New York StateWide Senior Action Council.
Universal Free School Meals
Advocates acknowledge that the state has expanded school meals and increased funding for nutrition programs, but they say it’s not enough. They are pushing for a program to give all students free meals, which would save families around $165 per child every month. According to polls, 77% of registered voters would back funding such an initiative.
SNAP Awareness and Outreach Program
In terms of direct food assistance, each state dollar spent on SNAP awareness and outreach receives matching federal funding. The letter argues for the state to continue funding the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program, which helps eligible New Yorkers navigate the application process and connects residents with benefits, helping 34,000 households in 2023.
State SNAP Minimum Program
Some New Yorkers have seen their SNAP benefits drop as low as $23 without the emergency supplemental funding. Providing a minimum $100 SNAP payout each month could help over 107,000, especially older people struggling to make ends meet on a fixed income. S7663A/A6214A would create this kind of state SNAP minimum program.
SNAP Benefits for Undocumented Residents
New York could also create a program that gives SNAP benefits to income-eligible residents regardless of immigration status. Today, over 800,000 undocumented New Yorkers cannot participate in the federal food program. A food assistance fund overseen directly by the state without federal input would cost around $141 million.
Other Key Proposals
The groups also want over $131 million to support Nourish New York and the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, which support local farmers and help food banks or community organizations give out more food. They also argued in favor of continued support for the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP purchases for fresh produce.
Child Care Assistance
Regarding child care, the letter supports S4924A/A1303A, which would remove income and hourly work requirements to qualify for child care assistance, hurting some of the most needy families in New York. S4667A/A4099A would eliminate a delay between when families apply for benefits and when they receive them by presuming that all kids are eligible. S8152/A8878A would change eligibility thresholds for child care block grant funding.
Conclusion
The advocates are urging Governor Hochul to support these bills in the 2026 Executive Budget, which would help alleviate childhood hunger and support relief efforts in the state. By doing so, the state can make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of New Yorkers.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the letter?
A: The letter is a call to action for Governor Kathy Hochul to support bills targeting childhood hunger and fund relief efforts in the 2026 Executive Budget.
Q: What are the key proposals?
A: The proposals include universal free school meals, SNAP awareness and outreach program, state SNAP minimum program, SNAP benefits for undocumented residents, and child care assistance.
Q: What is the impact of these proposals?
A: These proposals would help alleviate childhood hunger and support relief efforts in the state, saving families around $165 per child every month and providing over $100 SNAP payout each month to over 107,000 individuals.
