As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to gathering with our loved ones around tables filled with food, love, and laughter. However, many families across New York are struggling. As many as 1 in 5 children in New York could be facing food insecurity.
This is unacceptable. For children, food insecurity affects not only their physical health, but their cognitive development, emotional wellbeing, and academic performance. These hardships can follow children throughout their life.
We know how to end child hunger in New York and across the country. In 2021, we saw a record-low number of children living with hunger due to policies supported by No Kid Hungry, including increased SNAP benefits, Pandemic EBT, and an enhanced Child Tax Credit. When many of those policies ended in 2022, child hunger increased.
While work remains, this past summer proves that when our leaders work together, there can be transformational improvements for our kids. With the launch of the Summer EBT program, more than 1.5 million children across New York were connected with nearly $200 million in grocery benefits over the summer months. (Note: Summer EBT benefits are expiring soon. Get the information you need here.) In the second year of rural non-congregate flexibilities for summer meals programs, 34 sponsors supporting 82 meal sites were able to serve students and families in rural areas in New York. You can read about some of these incredible programs, and the hunger heroes who make them happen, on our blog. With the launch of new grocery benefits and expanded meal pickup and delivery services in rural communities, we can reach more and more kids during the hungriest time of the year.
We must build on that momentum. No Kid Hungry New York is here to support schools and community organizations who are interested in starting or expanding their summer non-congregate meals programs, or engaging in Summer EBT outreach in their communities. We also must ensure Congress protects and strengthens SNAP through the Farm Bill and expands the Child Tax Credit, so we can ensure all kids have the resources they need to grow up healthy and strong.
While we share gratitude this holiday season, let’s also remember the children and families across New York facing food insecurity. By raising awareness, sharing our strengths, and advocating for systemic change, we can all work together to create a better future – one where every child in New York has the opportunity to thrive. Helping to ensure that no child goes hungry is one of the greatest gifts we can give, not just during the holidays, but all year round. Thank you to all the nutrition professionals, community partners, and supporters that are working to make No Kid Hungry a reality in New York.