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Together, we raise awareness about hunger, advocate for policies and programs that support food security, and support our neighbors in need of food. Stay informed and join our advocacy efforts by signing up for Action Alerts.
Legislators need to hear the message loud and clear: no one should go hungry.
Advocating for Stronger Food Access in Westchester County and Beyond
Feeding Westchester works alongside national and state partners to strengthen federal nutrition programs that help reduce hunger, support community health, and stimulate local economies. Below are our current priorities in the federal budget and upcoming Farm Bill.
Investing in Long-Term Food Security and Community Health
The Farm Bill offers a critical opportunity to strengthen the nation’s nutrition safety net. Feeding Westchester supports the following priorities.
Advocating for Hunger Relief and Food Access Across New York
The final FY26 New York State Budget included several important outcomes for hunger relief programs. While we celebrate some key victories, other priorities remain unmet. Here’s how Feeding Westchester’s advocacy—alongside statewide partners—translated into policy results:
Funding Maintained, No Increase
While we avoided budget cuts, the final state budget maintains last year’s funding levels, falling short of rising demand and food costs:
HPNAP: $57.8 million
Nourish New York: $55 million
These programs are critical for providing nutritious food to families through food banks and local farms. Feeding Westchester will continue advocating for increased investment in the next budget cycle.
Free Meals for All K–12 Students – For the first time, all New York State public school students will receive free breakfast and lunch, regardless of household income. This historic win follows years of advocacy and ensures:
No child goes hungry during the school day
Families face fewer financial burdens
Schools promote equity and well-being
This is a major step forward for child nutrition access in Westchester and beyond.
The proposed $100 monthly minimum benefit for SNAP recipients was not included in the final budget.
Feeding Westchester remains committed to strengthening SNAP access and benefit levels to help neighbors afford the food they need.
The final budget restores full funding to NOEP, including a $2 million legislative add-on, for a total of $5.642 million statewide.
This ensures continued support for SNAP outreach services at Feeding Westchester, connecting more eligible neighbors to vital food benefits.
We’re actively working with state partners to shape our advocacy goals for next year’s budget. Stay tuned for updates on:
Funding increases for HPNAP and Nourish NY
Strengthening SNAP benefits
Expanding access to fresh, local food
Ensuring equitable food access for all New Yorkers
Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
Let us know the impact that hunger—or hunger relief—has had on your life, the lives of your friends and family, and your community. Tell us how you use your voice to inspire others to be a changemaker. These stories help us educate the community, advocate for policies and hunger relief programs, and inspire neighbors to help neighbors.
Corporate Support
