{"id":15265,"date":"2026-06-16T13:00:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T13:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/new-york\/?p=15265"},"modified":"2026-06-16T17:01:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T17:01:01","slug":"no-kid-hungry-and-nyc-schools-chancellor-honor-nyc-hunger-heroes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/new-york\/no-kid-hungry-and-nyc-schools-chancellor-honor-nyc-hunger-heroes\/","title":{"rendered":"NO KID HUNGRY AND NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR HONOR \u201cNYC HUNGER HEROES\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
<\/b>CONTACT<\/b>: Kayla McCullough, <\/span>kmccullough@rubenstein.com<\/span><\/a>
B-roll will be available <\/i>here<\/span><\/i><\/a> after the event<\/span><\/i><\/p>

NO KID HUNGRY AND NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR HONOR \u201cNYC HUNGER HEROES\u201d<\/strong><\/p>

After serving ~850,000 meals to NYC students each day, dedicated food service workers and educators are recognized for going above and beyond<\/span><\/em><\/p>

NEW YORK, NY <\/b>\u2013 No Kid Hungry New York today joined New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels to recognize <\/span>39 \u201cNYC Hunger Heroes\u201d<\/span><\/a>\u2013 extraordinary professionals in City schools who have gone above and beyond to serve approximately 850,000 nutritious meals to students every day. Food service workers from each school district and food program staff from NYC Schools\u2019 central office received awards for their meaningful contributions to combating child hunger.<\/span><\/p>

These 39 workers are on the frontlines of combating hunger in New York City Public Schools, as more than 270,000 children in New York City \u2013 or approximately one in four kids \u2013 are facing hunger. School meal programs play a critical role in ensuring kids get two healthy meals a day while also helping families stretch their food budget.<\/span><\/p>

The hunger crisis continues to impact kids and families across New York. One in five children in New York State faces hunger, and according to a <\/span>2026 poll from No Kid Hungry<\/span><\/a>, 77 percent of New York families with children reported that their financial situation has suffered due to the cost of food.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThese Hunger Heroes play an essential role in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom,\u201d said <\/span>Rachel Sabella, Director of No Kid Hungry New York<\/b>. \u201cFor many children, food service workers are the first faces they see each day, creating a warm, welcoming environment while making sure students have the nutritious meals they need to thrive. By honoring these outstanding professionals, we are celebrating the care they bring to students and families every day and their commitment to fighting hunger in New York City classrooms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

“As a lifelong educator, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that hunger can have on a child\u2019s ability to learn,” said <\/span>Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. <\/b>“No student should ever be expected to focus, grow, and succeed on an empty stomach. Our OFNS school food service workers are heroes of our education system who do far more than prepare and serve nutritious, delicious meals. They create welcoming cafeteria spaces, offer comfort and consistency, and provide the familiar faces that help students feel cared for each day. It is both my honor and privilege to celebrate 39 of these extraordinary individuals today, alongside our partners at No Kid Hungry, whose collaboration makes this celebration possible. Their dedication and compassion make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and families.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

“As a former public school teacher, I know that access to free breakfast and lunch is about far more than food\u2014it helps students focus, learn, and grow into healthier, stronger young people,\u201d said <\/span>New York City Council Education Chair Eric Dinowitz<\/b>. \u201cThat’s why I am proud to recognize the 39 members of the New York City Public Schools Office of Food and Nutrition Services as NYC Hunger Heroes. Every day, these dedicated public servants ensure that New York City students have access to the nutritious meals they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. Their work makes a lasting difference for children and families across our city. I am also grateful to No Kid Hungry for creating this event and for its tireless efforts to connect children and families with meals. Together, we celebrate these Hunger Heroes and their extraordinary commitment to supporting New York City’s students.”<\/span><\/p>

\u201cA good meal is made of more than just food: it\u2019s cooked and served by our food service workers with dedication and care for our students,\u201d said <\/span>Mayor\u2019s Office of Food Policy Executive Director Kate MacKenzie. <\/b>\u201cStudents and their families can rely on these incredible Hunger Heroes to go above and beyond to not just serve nutritious and delicious food, but make cafeteria lines the frontlines in the fight against hunger. Whatever uncertainties and challenges arise outside of school, students can rely on school meals to nourish them and position them to succeed. Students are building healthy futures on the foundation of safe and reliable, nutritious meals thanks to these devoted professionals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The list of <\/b>2026 NYC Hunger Heroes<\/b><\/a> is below.<\/b><\/p>

Manhattan<\/b><\/p>