June 2025
WKBW: ‘It’s not sustainable’: SNAP changes could cut off thousands in WNY, impact food pantries
June 26th, 2025
“No Kid Hungry New York, in partnership with the Buffalo Bills Foundation, has announced $200,000 in new grants to help expand free summer meal access across the state.”
The Hechinger Report: Young children may go hungry as summer begins
June 25th, 2025
“I think something people don’t always recognize is that summer is the hungriest time of year for families,” said Rachel Sabella, director of the nonprofit No Kid Hungry New York. SUN Bucks in particular gives families more flexibility during the summer to access food, she added.
WCAX: Summer meals available for Vermont, New York kids
June 25th, 2025
June 23rd, 2025
No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella said, “Summer EBT is a transformative program for hundreds of thousands of families across New York State. By providing $120 in grocery benefits for each eligible child, it puts vital resources directly into the hands of families, helping them afford nutritious food for their children during the summer months. At the same time, it supports local economies by generating increased business for thousands of bodegas, supermarkets, and farmers statewide. I commend Governor Hochul and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) for their swift action in delivering these benefits, and I urge all potentially eligible New Yorkers to visit OTDA’s website to check their status. These funds are meant for you — don’t miss out.”
The Post-Journal: YMCA Honored For Efforts To Feed Children
June 3rd, 2025
“Barber highlighted that the collaboration with the No Kid Hungry organization has significantly amplified the YMCA’s visibility, elevating its mission across both national and state stages. This partnership has not only sparked a vibrant exchange of ideas but has also fostered a deeper understanding of the impactful work being done to combat childhood hunger by the YMCA and other non-profit organizations.”
May 2025
SI Live: Staten Island school food service manager recognized as 2025 NYC ‘Hunger Hero’
May 26th, 2025
Finger Lakes 1: SNAP, Medicaid cuts hit NY in new federal budget
May 25th, 2025
News 10: SALT vs. SNAP: What New York lost and won in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill
May 23rd, 2025
“Director of No Kid Hungry New York Rachel Sabella said that approving the budget bill represented “a vote to increase childhood hunger.” She added that the cuts would increase “red tape and bureaucracy for working families” and force an “unprecedented and impossible cost burden onto states.”
May 18th, 2025
“We know when kids have regular access to meals, they thrive. They have higher attendance rates; they do better in school. They struggle less with chronic health issues like asthma,” said Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York.
Brooklyn Daily Eagle: City’s school system honors ‘NYC Hunger Heroes’
May 13th, 2025
“Each of the honorees given awards by No Kid Hungry New York was nominated by leadership from each of the city’s school districts and Office of Food and Nutrition food service administration teams, including inspectors and compliance professionals.”
Harlem World: NYC Public Schools & No Kid Hungry NY Honor Hunger Heroes
May 12th, 2025
“Dedicated cafeteria staff can change the lives of hundreds of kids in a school each day. They often know each student’s name and favorite foods, and provide a friendly face alongside a nutritious meal,” said Rachel Sabella, Director of No Kid Hungry New York.
PIX 11: Hunger Heroes: Cooks, lunch aides, and food service workers honored by the City
May 12th, 2025
“This is the fifth year No Kid Hungry NY and NYC’s DOE have honored cafeteria staff from NY Public Schools for being on the frontlines of the battle against hunger, letting kids know that not all superheroes have capes. They sometimes wear aprons.”
WGRZ: Western New York YMCA earns No Kid Hungry Community Partner Award
May 11th, 2025
“The Jamestown Area YMCA exemplifies what it means to be a true partner in the fight against childhood hunger,” Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York, said in a statement.
New York Daily News: Food prices in NYC soared over last decade, outpacing income growth
May 1st, 2025
“Last month, a new poll commissioned by the nonprofit No Kid Hungry New York found that 53% of New Yorkers have taken on additional debt in the past 12 months as they struggle to feed their families, with Black and Hispanic New Yorkers — and especially women of color — being hit the hardest.”
April 2025
News 12 Long Island: Rising costs at the grocery store causing stress for Long Islanders
April 15th, 2025
“A new poll from No Kid Hungry New York finds 86% of New Yorkers say food prices are increasing faster than their income.”
Newsday: LI families to Congress: Don’t cut food assistance
April 10th, 2025
“In our recent poll, 55% of Long Islanders opposed any cuts to SNAP and other food assistance benefits people use at grocery stores and farmers’ markets. The reasons go beyond Long Islanders’ concern for their own families and neighbors: Two-thirds of Long Islanders believe these programs benefit the state’s economy, and three of four believe they benefit local businesses. Long Islanders see the big picture: Food assistance is funneled back into local economies. Food security is farm security and small business security.”
Gothamist: Federal food assistance cuts would crush 1.8M NYers, city officials say
April 1st, 2025
“A recent survey by the nonprofit No Kid Hungry New York, found 52% of New Yorkers have taken on debt to pay their grocery bills in the last year amid soaring food prices and the end of pandemic-era benefits.”
March 2025
Epicenter NYC: How food prices are destabilizing New Yorkers’ pockets and mental health
March 26th, 2025
“A new poll from the non-profit No Kid Hungry New York shows that over half of New Yorkers have taken on additional debt in the past year due to skyrocketing food prices. Additionally, 63% report that their mental health has also been affected.”
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:
- 51% of Western New York residents have taken on additional debt in the past 12 months due to the rising cost of food.
- Most Western New York residents said their health had suffered due to the rising cost of food.
- 41% of Western New York residents said their household is now eating less nutritious food due to the rising cost of food.”
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.”
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 2025
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.”
January 2025
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.”
December 2024
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.”
November 2024
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.”
October 2024
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.”
August 2024
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.
