New York Invests $11M to Strengthen Food Relief Efforts

By Blake Jackson

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced more than $11 million in funding to strengthen emergency food relief efforts across New York State.

The investment includes over $5 million in Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grants awarded to nearly 100 nonprofit organizations, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community programs that serve New Yorkers facing food insecurity.

Additionally, more than $6 million will go toward a renewed partnership with Feeding New York State and the state’s 10 regional food banks to support staffing and essential operations.

This initiative comes as the Trump Administration declines to guarantee that nearly 3 million New Yorkers who depend on SNAP benefits will continue receiving assistance next month.

“While the Trump administration continues to starve federal food assistance programs of funding, New York State is investing directly in local organizations that feed New Yorkers who are struggling with skyrocketing food prices,” said Governor Hochul.

“With more than three million New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity, including more than 750,000 children under the age of 18, we are making investments in community-based food relief organizations to fight hunger and complement our wide-ranging affordability efforts.”

A total of 97 Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grants, ranging from $1,200 to $100,000, will help organizations purchase emergency generators, cooling and transport equipment, and other tools to improve food storage and distribution.

The program, administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is part of the state’s ongoing effort to reduce food waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure donated food reaches communities in need.

Funded through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), DEC has already provided millions in grants to 145 emergency food relief organizations since 2018.

The renewed partnership with Feeding New York State will enhance food donation activities at grocery stores, restaurants, and food retailers, while also funding equipment, staffing, and the Venison Donation Program, which provides high-quality venison to local food banks.

Since 2018, DEC has awarded $10.8 million through the EPF to Feeding New York State and its regional food bank partners.

The Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grant program includes a total of nearly 100 funded projects.

A full list of awardees is available on DEC’s website.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera