Spectrum News 1: Majority of New Yorkers taking on debt due to food costs
March 14th, 2025
“A new poll from No Kid Hungry New York found as the cost of food rises, more and more people are going into debt trying to afford it. It comes as the federal government considers making cuts to food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.”
March 12th, 2025
“A new poll by No Kid Hungry New York found the following data in Western New York:
SI Live: Rising food costs are driving New Yorkers into debt, study finds
March 12th, 2025
“A large majority, 84%, of New Yorkers said they agree that school meals should be free for all students, and food assistance benefits should increase at the same rate as food prices (82%). Ninety-one percent of respondents also said that ending hunger should be a shared, bipartisan priority.”
Gothamist: New Yorkers at East Harlem food pantry stretch meals as food prices climb
March 12th, 2025
“Rodriguez is among the 52% of New Yorkers who have taken on debt to pay their grocery bills in the last year amid soaring food prices and the end of pandemic-era benefits, according to a recent poll.”
TV Azteca: Esto está pasando con las familias en Nueva York por el elevado costo de los alimentos
March 10th, 2025
BKReader: More Than Half of New Yorkers Take on Debt as Food Costs Soar, Poll Finds
March 9th, 2025
“The poll, which surveyed 1,596 New Yorkers from Feb. 8 to Feb. 14, revealed that the food crisis has hit certain communities especially hard. About 52% of New York City residents reported taking on additional debt to buy food, while 61% said their mental health had suffered.”
Inside City Hall: Poll finds majority of New Yorkers taking on debt due to food costs
March 7th, 2025
CBS News: Poll finds New Yorkers going into debt over rising cost of food
March 6th, 2025
Spectrum News 1: Advocates step up calls to New York state officials to address child poverty
March 6th, 2025
“The rising cost of food is magnifying calls from advocates to address child poverty. According to a new poll from the organization No Kid Hungry New York, about half of New Yorkers have seen their debt increase in the past year due to rising food costs.”
Newsday: Consumer complaint list for 2024 released by NY Attorney General Letitia James
March 6th, 2025
“The announcement comes after a No Kid Hungry New York poll showed a majority of Long Islanders said the cost of food was rising faster than their income, and well over half said their debt had increased as a result, Newsday reported.”
March 6th, 2025
Infobae: El aumento del costo de los alimentos lleva a las familias de Nueva York a endeudarse
March 5th, 2025
Impacto Latino: Los neoyorquinos hispanos se endeudan por el aumento del costo de los alimentos
March 5th, 2025
Newsday: Poll: Long Islanders have more debt, less money for food
March 5th, 2025
“One Suffolk County man, who wasn’t named but who participated in the poll by No Kid Hungry New York, said of higher prices: “It has made me put more [debt] on my credit cards. I also had to take money out of my 401K [so I wouldn’t] get behind on my bills.”
Eater: Some NYC Food Prices May Rise 25 Percent From Tariffs
March 5th, 2025
“According to a new survey conducted by No Kid Hungry, over half of New Yorkers have seen their debt increase over the past year due to skyrocketing food prices, which has in turn greatly affected people’s mental and physical health.”
The City: Newsletter, March 5th 2025
“Half of New York City residents have had to take on debt to pay for food, according to a survey by the anti-poverty group No Kid Hungry New York released Tuesday.”
Delray Beach Times: New Yorkers Drowning in Debt Just to Put Food on the Table!
March 5th, 2025
Finger Lakes Daily News: Poll Finds New Yorkers Are Going in Debt Over Food Costs
March 5th, 2025
QNS: Soaring food costs push New Yorkers into debt, poll finds
March 4th, 2025
“New Yorkers are facing unbelievable challenges. We know there are solutions that can help this problem,” [Rachel Sabella] said. “It’s not just about financial health; it’s about physical and mental health as well.”
amNY: More New Yorkers going into debt due to rising food costs, poll finds
March 4th, 2025
“The rising cost of groceries isn’t just straining household budgets. It’s pushing families deeper into debt. New Yorkers need urgent assistance,” [Rachel Sabella] said. “There is a consensus among New Yorkers, regardless of their region or political affiliation, that we need bipartisan solutions, like SNAP, universal school meals, and Summer EBT, that help families keep food on their tables.”
VIN News: Rising Food Costs Push New Yorkers Into Debt, Straining Mental Health, Study Finds
March 4th, 2025
“In response to the challenges, 62% of respondents voiced opposition to cuts in federal food assistance programs such as SNAP and Summer EBT. Additionally, 84% believe that school meals should be universally free for all children.”
Audacy: Rising grocery costs push over half of NYers into debt as federal food assistance faces cuts
March 4th, 2025
“We heard from families who said they are taking money out of their 401k,” said Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York, who told 1010 WINS that the survey of 1,596 New Yorkers found many residents are making tough financial sacrifices. “They have maxed out credit cards in order to pay these prices for food.”
WKBW: New report reveals New York families are going into debt over the rising cost of food
March 4th, 2025
“About 41% of residents in Western New York say their household is now eating less nutritious food, and most say the cost of food is rising faster than their income.”
Harlem World: New Yorkers Increasingly Go Into Debt Due To Rising Food Costs
March 4th, 2025
“‘The rising cost of groceries isn’t just straining household budgets—it’s pushing families deeper into debt. This should be a wake-up call to policymakers in Albany and Washington: New York families need help,’ said Rachel Sabella, Director of No Kid Hungry New York.”
PIX 11: New Yorkers going into debt amid rising grocery prices: study
March 4th, 2025
“Hispanic families in New York are bearing the burden of rising food costs, with 73% of those surveyed saying they’ve gone into more debt to feed their families, according to the study.”
CBS 6 Albany: POLL: Capital Region residents struggle with rising food costs, health impacts
March 4th, 2025
“According to the findings from No Kid Hungry New York, 54% of residents have incurred additional debt over the past year due to increased food expenses.”
February 27th, 2025
The City: How to Apply for Summer Food Benefits for NYC Kids
February 24th, 2025
Chalkbeat: Some NYC families can get $120 per child in summer food benefits. Here’s how to apply.
February 21st, 2025
“Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York, praised the benefits, adding ‘we have a chance this year to reach more families who weren’t automatically enrolled or pulled in through last year’s outreach.'”
The Suffolk Times: Free school meals for all students baked into Hochul’s 2026 budget
February 11th, 2025
“No Kid Hungry reports that, on average, students who eat school breakfast have been shown to achieve 17.5% higher scores on standardized math tests and attend 1.5 more days of school per year.”
New York Amsterdam News: NYC reacts to Gov. Hochul’s State of the State Address
January 16th, 2025
“[Governor Hochul] also promised a push for universal free school meals and capital funding toward universal child care, which organizations like No Kid Hungry New York applauded.”
News Nation: Hochul proposes free public school breakfast and lunch
January 10th, 2025
“And according to No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella, ‘We can’t ever resign ourselves to more kids facing hunger, or more families going without the help they need.'”
January 10th, 2025
“And according to No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella, ‘We can’t ever resign ourselves to more kids facing hunger, or more families going without the help they need.’”
Kiplinger: Gov. Hochul Wants to Triple the New York Child Tax Credit
January 8th, 2025
“Hochul’s latest pledge comes as nearly 80% of New York families are struggling to afford groceries, according to data from No Kid Hungry.”
News 10: Hochul wants to triple New York’s child tax credit
January 6th, 2025
“In a 2024 No Kid Hungry New York survey, 79% of New Yorkers said it was harder to afford groceries, with 85% saying the cost of food was rising faster than their income. Over half were stressed about affording enough nutritious food, and four out of five strongly agreed that ending child hunger should be a bipartisan priority.”
City Limits: Opinion: 2025 and New York’s Fight Against Child Hunger
January 6th, 2025
“When I look at the landscape of what’s currently in place and the uncertainty ahead of us, one critical resource stands above all others: our public schools. Even in times when misinformation, fear, and intimidation run rampant, families of every kind put their faith in our schools and educators. That makes them the ideal setting to confront child hunger.”
Chalkbeat: Beyond the classroom: How NYC schools are getting creative to help struggling families
December 20th, 2024
“Four out of five city families said they found it harder to afford groceries this year, with 41% buying less, or no, protein such as meat, fish, or eggs due to cost, a No Kid Hungry survey from the spring found.”
Newsday: Those in need do need our help
November 28th, 2024
“A recent poll from No Kid Hungry, however, showed the problem is even more extensive, as 80% of Long Island households said it’s become harder to afford groceries.”
PIX 11: NYC family serves Thanksgiving meals: ‘Three generations of generosity’
November 27th, 2024
“According to the non-profit No Kid Hungry and its New York Hunger Survey 2024, the cost of food is rising faster than income in three out of four NYC households.”
Our Time Press: Tackling Food Insecurity in the meal-centered holiday season
November 21st, 2024
November 17th, 2024
“Children are at even greater risk to suffer adverse impacts from hunger, studies by such organizations as No Kid Hungry and Feeding America have found.”
Brooklyn News 12: Summer EBT benefits to expire soon
November 14th, 2024
“No Kid Hungry New York encourages families to use the remaining balance before the funds expire. They also suggest reaching out for additional resources if needed.”
WGRZ: Local school district making sure all students have breakfast
November 13th, 2024
“One in five children in New York State are facing hunger. We know families are struggling. We know hunger knows no boundaries and it’s present in every community,” Lucas said.
WROC: Unused summer EBT benefits start expiring in November
November 13th, 2024
“Summer EBT has been a lifeline for millions of New York families keeping healthy food on the table,” said Rachel Sabella, Director of No Kid Hungry New York. As food insecurity rates rise across the state, she stressed, “If you don’t use these benefits, you’ll lose them.”
WHEC: First round of $120 per child EBT summer benefits to expire on November 28
November 13th, 2024
“No Kid Hungry New York is warning families that if they received the one-time installment of $120 per child in EBT summer benefits, it’s set to expire on November 28.”
ESPN Radio 104.5 FM: The Most Expensive Grocery Store in America Has 31 New York Locations
November 11th, 2024
“A recent Change Research for No Kid Hungry survey found that 85% of New Yorkers say food costs are rising faster than their income. Over three-quarters (79%) report it’s harder to afford groceries than a year ago, with nearly half (47%) saying it’s much harder.”
World Food Policy Center: Learnings from No Kid Hungry in New York
October 29th, 2024
“One of the things that gives me tremendous hope Is when we did our survey of New Yorkers, 93 percent of New Yorkers believe that solving childhood hunger should be a bipartisan issue. They don’t see the politics of this in New York. We have seen that increasing the SNAP minimum benefit is a bipartisan solution. We have seen no cost school meals for all children has bipartisan support. I think we see New Yorkers recognize they want to make a difference.”
The Post-Journal: Serving Meals: YMCA Summer Food Program Serves More Than 35,000 Meals
October 28th, 2024
“The Jamestown YMCA’s expansion of non-congregate meals in rural communities will be featured by the national childhood hunger advocacy organization No Kid Hungry. A film crew from No Kid Hungry came to capture YMCA meal programs in action and interview staff and families who were being impacted. No Kid Hungry will use the video and photographic footage to propel its national advocacy efforts by sharing widely the impact the Jamestown YMCA is making in our community.”
NYN Media: As food insecurity wages across the city, lawmakers look to expand free school meals
October 7th, 2024
“Costs are all rising, and in order to keep a roof over their heads, unfortunately, [parents] are having to cut their budget on food. So that’s why no cost school meals for every child is such an important issue to be talking about,” said Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York.”
Invisible Americans: Episode 301: Kids Are Hungry, Working and Not Getting Credit
October 4th, 2024
“Rachel Sabella shares the findings from No Kid Hungry’s third annual survey. There is a deepening affordability crisis in New York grocery stores, with, 85% of New Yorkers — low-income and middle-class families alike — stating their wages aren’t keeping pace with soaring grocery prices.
This strain causes thousand to make difficult decisions at the checkout, often sacrificing nutrition for affordability.
“The issue of hunger isn’t political.” – Rachel Sabella”
WNYT: Trinity Alliance continues to feed those in need amid rising food cost
October 4th, 2024
“Earlier this year, No Kid Hungry New York poll found that 85% of New Yorkers say food costs are rising faster than their income. As a result, about 51% reported buying less meat, fish, and eggs due to the rising costs.”
Spectrum News: Impact of summer EBT benefits as deadline to apply looms
August 31st, 2024
“To talk more about the program and its impact, Liz Lucas, program manager for No Kid Hungry New York, joins Spectrum News 1 to discuss who is eligible, the application process, the need for this in New York, resources for families and what more needs to be done.”
August 27th, 2024
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in the fight against summer hunger, and there are reasons to be hopeful for the future. Nationally, childhood hunger is on the ballot as the upcoming election reignites a bipartisan dialogue about school meals, the Child Tax Credit and many more policies that have the potential to slash hunger and poverty.”
Spectrum News: Deadline approaches for New Yorkers to apply for summer EBT program
August 26th, 2024
“As summer winds down, we are reminding New York families about the game-changing Summer EBT program to make sure that kids can access healthy meals all year long,” Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York, said in a statement. “This extra support will give families the boost they need to keep food on the table and provide children with the well-balanced, nutritious meals they need to learn and grow. I thank our partners at every level of government for making this funding available, and I encourage families to check their eligibility and apply before the September 3 deadline.”
Spectrum News: Regional Food Bank works to feed families in rural New York
August 23rd, 2024
“No Kid Hungry New York announced more than $146,000 in grants to help school districts and community organizations across the state provide kids with free, nutritious meals through summer. The Regional Food Bank used that funding for an additional delivery program to go along with the bags.”
Finger Lakes Times: FRIDAY CONVERSATION WITH … Donna Rivello
August 16th, 2024
“Donna Riviello, director of Food Service for the Clyde-Savannah Central School District this summer, has been named a 2024 Summer Hunger Hero by No Kid Hungry New York. She was honored for her work operating a meal delivery service that brings five-day bulk breakfast and lunch meals to families once a week.”
SI Live: NYC urged to include Staten Island in this free summer meals food truck program
August 12th, 2024
August 8th, 2024
“By providing $120 per child directly on a debit card that can be spent at grocery stores and local markets, anywhere that accepts SNAP benefits, Summer EBT makes it easier for eligible families to buy food for their children,” Sabella said. “It helps ensure children get the nutrition they need in the summertime when schools are closed, and helps families who often see a strain on their grocery budget during summer break.”
August 8th, 2024
WGRZ: Summer EBT benefits coming to NY families
August 1st, 2024
“Summer EBT is a gamechanger for hundreds of thousands of New York families. This extra support can mean the difference between kids having healthy meals at home this summer, or facing hunger,” Director of No Kid Hungry New York, Rachel Sabella said.
BKReader: Food Truck in Prospect Park Has Free Meals for Kids All Summer
July 24th, 2024
Patch: No Kid Hungry and NYC Public Schools Serve Up Free Summer Meals
July 18th, 2024
USChinaPress.com: Three food trucks will provide free meals to kids across the city this summer
July 17th, 2024
Brooklyn Daily Eagle: Mobile Food Trucks provide meals to kids during summer recess
July 17th, 2024
PIX11: Food trucks roll out to offer free summer meals for kids
July 17th, 2024
“We see food insecurity spike every year during these few months, as kids lose access to no-cost school meals,” said New York Program Director Rachel Sabella. “By partnering with the NYC Public Schools on mobile trucks, we are able to reach even more communities and ensure meals are easily accessible.”
News10: Childhood hunger bills stalled in the New York State Legislature
July 12th, 2024
“No Kid Hungry, an organization working against poverty, polled rural New Yorkers in March to find out that:
91% of families saw wages grow slower than grocery store inflation
47% would use free meal programs more if they could pick up multiples
40% would get more free summer meals with grab-and-go options
31% would use the programs more if they had longer hours”
July 3rd, 2024
“Roughly 78% of families said the cost of food was rising faster than their income, with 70% indicating it had become harder to afford groceries in the past year, according to a March poll conducted by the No Kid Hungry advocacy group.”
July 2nd, 2024
“No Kid Hungry New York announced over $146,000 in grants to help eleven public school districts and community organizations in rural areas across upstate New York provide more kids with free, nutritious meals all summer long. The new funding takes aim at key barriers that have kept families from utilizing free summer meals in the past by providing grab-n-go meal options, home-delivery, expanding hours and opening new convenient locations.”
The Daily News: Le Roy Central School offers summer meals
July 1st, 2024
“Each of these partners has found new and innovative ways to reach families with free summer meals the ways they know works best for their community, and No Kid Hungry is so proud to support them,” said No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella.
WNYT: Grants to help expand free summer meal program for kids
July 1st, 2024
“Capital Region families will now have more options to get free summer meals for kids. No Kid Hungry New York announced Monday over $146,000 in grants to help 11 public school districts and community organizations in rural areas provide more kids with free, nutritious meals all summer long.”
The Salamanca Press: Salamanca schools to continue serving free meals through 2028
June 18th, 2024
“Students who are participating in summer programming can eat in the buildings congregate-style or, if they wish to get a to-go lunch, can come in and pick up a grab-n-go lunch or non-congregate meal.”
May 29th, 2024
Ny1: Advocates worry popular school foods could again be on the chopping block
May 23rd, 2024
“We need to make sure this isn’t going to happen again and that next year, every month of the school year, there are items on the menus that kids enjoy and they want to eat,” Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry, said.
NY1: Proposed House Farm Bill’s impact on Thrifty Food Program
May 23rd, 2024
While overall SNAP benefits continue to increase, No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella says the change will result in $30 billion less than expected under the 2021 reevaluation to the Thrifty Food Plan.
“Right now we know New Yorkers are struggling,” Sabella said. “No Kid Hungry New York recently did a survey, 85% of respondents said that their incomes were not rising as fast as grocery prices. So with this rollback, it’s going to be even harder for them to have access to nutritious foods.”
Olean Times Herald: Salamanca schools offering summer meals with No Kid Hungry grant
May 17th, 2024
“As part of No Kid Hungry’s continuing effort to ensure all children in Salamanca remain nourished and healthy, the Salamanca City Central School District has received $15,100 in grant funding to help feed more children in the community.”
NY1 Talk Back: Study: Many New Yorkers Facing Hardship Providing for Themselves, Their Families
May 7th, 2024
Yeshiva World News: Poll Reveals 85% of New Yorkers Struggle with Soaring Grocery Costs
April 25th, 2024
“The financial strain is also affecting mental health, with 58% of adults in the state feeling more stressed about providing nutritious meals for their families compared to last year.”
April 24th, 2024
Breitbart: Poll: 85% of New Yorkers Say Grocery Costs Are Rising Faster than Their Income
April 24th, 2024
“The poll found that school-aged children in rural areas of New York are suffering the most, with 87 percent of parents saying their incomes have not been able to support the increasing cost of groceries.”
BKReader: New Poll Shows New Yorkers Struggling With Rising Food Prices
April 24th, 2024
“Just under half of New Yorkers (43%) reported a sign of food insecurity, including eating less nutritious food or not having enough to eat. Roughly half of New Yorkers said they now purchase less, or no, fresh produce and proteins like because of the cost.”
April 23rd, 2024
“A report from No Kid Hungry says the cost of food is increasing faster than the paycheck for a majority of families. This is forcing them to make cuts around the dinner table.”
NY1: New survey reveals more New Yorkers are struggling with rising food costs
April 23rd, 2024
“A new poll from the nonprofit No Kid Hungry New York details that 79% of New Yorkers across the state are saying it had become harder to afford groceries over the past year, a rise from the year before.”
ABC 7: More New Yorkers struggling with rising food prices as costs outpace income, poll says
April 23rd, 2024
“When children start the day with a nutritious breakfast, when they have that protein, they grow stronger,” Sabella said. “They have higher attendance rates. They do better in school on exams, but they also have less chronic health issues.”
April 23rd, 2024
“As New Yorkers grapple with an affordability crisis, rising food prices are adding to their cost of living according to a new poll commissioned by No Kid Hungry New York. 85 percent of New Yorkers reported that the cost of food was rising faster than their income.”