FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2025
No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella issued this statement applauding Governor Hochul’s State of the State agenda to address the child hunger crisis. Last week, Rachel published an op-ed calling on the Governor to take up the fight against child hunger – including by making no-cost breakfast and lunch universal and expanding access to Summer EBT in New York.
“Every child in New York deserves access to three healthy meals a day, and Governor Hochul’s State of the State agenda is a promising step toward making that a reality. With proposals like an expanded Empire State Child Tax Credit, no-cost universal school meals, and the return of Summer EBT, the Governor seems ready and willing to address the child hunger crisis — and it couldn’t come at a more urgent time.
“Food insecurity has spiked nationwide and the cost of food is continuing to rise, yet Congress and the incoming administration have suggested that cuts to federal hunger-fighting programs may be on the way. Ninety-three percent of New Yorkers agree: ending child hunger should be a bipartisan issue. With important programs like SNAP and WIC now at risk, New York needs to step up to ensure that kids get the nutritious food they need.
“The time to act is now. Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, and officials at every level of government need to take swift action to protect our children, fight poverty across the state, and keep food on the table for millions of New York kids and families.”