STATEMENT: As Nearly a Million More New Yorkers May Face Hunger This Year, No Kid Hungry Calls on Congress to Expand SNAP
Contact: Johanna Elsemore, jelsemore@strength.org
NEW YORK, NY: Across the state of New York, nearly a million more people could face hunger this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. As families and individuals continue to feel the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis, hunger groups are uniting to urge legislators to strengthen and expand SNAP in the next coronavirus relief package. The following is a statement from No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella:
“The coronavirus is a health crisis as well as a financial one for New York families, as millions are facing unemployment, poverty and hunger. Across our state, more than three million people may face hunger this year, many for the first time. The unprecedented level of need is evidenced in the long lines at food banks around the state.
One of the best ways to feed kids during this crisis and in its aftermath is by ensuring their families have sufficient resources to afford food. SNAP achieves this efficiently and effectively, while also boosting our local economy.
As Congress negotiates the next coronavirus relief package, No Kid Hungry encourages our legislators to increase the maximum SNAP benefit by at least 15%; increase the minimum SNAP benefit from $16 to $30; allow more flexibility in where SNAP benefits can be used by expanding the Restaurant Meal Program to all SNAP households; and extend Pandemic EBT through the end of September.”
On June 24th, No Kid Hungry will lead a National Day of Action on SNAP to tell leaders in Congress that #SNAPFeedsKids. It will take place across our social media channels, rallying the nation to demand relief for hungry kids and families. Find resources to join this call to action in this social media toolkit.