July 12, 2023, New York: The FY24 NYC budget agreement that Mayor Adams signed last week included needed investments in anti-hunger efforts, including the restoration of critical HRA staffing to support enrollment in SNAP, Medicaid and other programs that are lifelines for millions of New Yorkers, increased reimbursement rates for senior meal delivery programs, and continued funding for the Community Food Connection Program, which supplies food to charitable food programs throughout the City. We thank our leaders in City Hall and the City Council for protecting these vital services that are in much higher demand, especially following the expiration of several COVID-era federal benefits.
As New York City’s three leading anti-hunger institutions, we, alongside our partners at City Harvest and United Way of New York City, believe that our City must continue to invest in a thoughtful, equitable budget that prioritizes services centered in addressing poverty and preventing hunger. We look forward to continuing to partner with pantry leaders and engage with local elected officials to ensure that anti-hunger programs and strategies are adequately funded and equitably applied across the five boroughs.