2025 has the potential to be a transformative year in our fight against childhood hunger in New York. New, expanded, and continuing programs promise to unlock our goal of feeding kids year-round and helping families access the resources they need. As Governor Kathy Hochul has kicked off the annual budget process with her State of the State address, here are 3 policies she’s championing to help end childhood hunger.
- No-Cost Universal School Meals
This plan would be a huge win for kids across the state, providing all New York students with no-cost breakfast and lunch. This is the culmination of work stretching back years to bring free school meals to more kids across the state. At a time when food insecurity is rising and families are struggling to put food on the table, this will ensure students are fueled and ready to learn, parents are able to make ends meet, and reduce poverty.
You can read our full statement on the proposal.
- Expanded Child Tax Credit
This proposal would expand the existing Empire State Tax Credit, reducing child poverty by an estimated 8.2%. The bottom line: families would receive a credit of $1,000 for every child under four and up to $500 for each child between 4 and 16. These benefits would reach 2.75 million New York kids.
Here is our full statement reacting to this proposal.
- Summer EBT
Summer EBT was a win for families in New York! This program provides the families of over 2 million eligible kids with funds to purchase groceries when school is out of session. For many children, summer can be a particularly challenging time because they lose access to school meals, which are often a critical source of daily nutrition. In 2024, New York families received more than $250 million in benefits to help buy food.
Learn more about how Summer EBT works in New York.
You can watch Governor Hochul’s full address and read all the policies she proposed here.
Our work isn’t done. The New York State Legislature will take these proposals under consideration as they negotiate with the Governor over the upcoming budget. No Kid Hungry New York will continue to work closely with lawmakers at the state, local and federal levels to ensure smart policy solutions that feed kids, support families, and strengthen our communities.