For Immediate Release
NEW YORK, NY (January 13, 2025) – New York Governor Kathy Hochul today delivered her 2026 State of the State address, which included transformative proposals to distribute chip-enabled EBT cards for SNAP grocery benefits, grow the state’s summer meal infrastructure, increase state funding for food banks and soup kitchens, and expand child care access. The following statement is attributable to Rachel Sabella, Director of No Kid Hungry New York:
“Governor Hochul’s State of the State address laid out a clear, thoughtful vision to lower costs across the state, strengthen New York’s social safety net, and protect kids and families from hunger.
“The Governor’s proposal to introduce chip-enabled EBT cards will add a layer of security for millions of New York families that receive SNAP grocery benefits and protect taxpayer dollars against illegal, fraudulent, and abusive practices like card ‘skimming.’ After last year’s bipartisan victory on universal school meals, the Governor’s plan to grow summer meal sites in rural areas will help address the summer hunger gap and ensure that kids get healthy food all year long. As families struggle with child care costs, the Governor’s proposal to expand free child care would not only eliminate a major expense for New Yorkers, but also give them much more flexibility in their grocery budgets. Proposals to increase state support for food banks and soup kitchens will help ensure that emergency meal relief is available for families that need it.
“These new policies are a welcome step toward tackling the hunger crisis in New York, but they come as the federal government makes unprecedented cuts to food assistance nationwide. Last year, the national child hunger crisis deepened as 14 million kids faced food insecurity. Thanks to budget cuts, new work requirements, and procedural hurdles for programs like SNAP, those numbers are only expected to grow. Governor Hochul’s State of the State agenda is helping to fill critical gaps in the fight against hunger, but it’s not a replacement for strong federal action to feed kids and families.
“This State of the State has given New York a blueprint to bring down costs, bolster anti-hunger programming, and help families keep food on the table. Now, the Legislature must do its part. I am urging legislators to continue coming together and advancing these policies to address the child hunger crisis. Families cannot afford to wait any longer for relief on food costs – it’s time to get it done.”
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