Yesterday, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown), along with fellow lawmakers and advocacy groups like Hunger Solutions New York and Feeding New York State, rallied at the New York State Capitol. Their primary requests include fully funding the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program and Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP).

Additionally, they advocated for fully funded school meals, citing the progress made in several Capital Region districts already offering free school meals. Despite last year's allocation of $135 million, Slater and his colleagues emphasized the persistent need for further action, given that one in ten New Yorkers and one in six children face food insecurity. As discussions for the 2025 budget approach, advocates urge the governor to prioritize addressing these alarming statistics.

“Ensuring all students have access to healthy school meals is crucial in combating child hunger in New York state,” stated Slater. “Many families struggling to meet basic needs find themselves exceeding current income eligibility requirements for free school breakfast and lunch programs. By guaranteeing equitable access to school meals, we not only address food insecurity but also provide children with the nutritional support necessary for academic success.”

“This week’s anti-hunger advocacy day brought together legislators from across the state, united in their support for our neighbors in need. Their collective voice sends a powerful message: Every neighbor deserves access to healthy food” said Karen C. Erren, President and CEO of Feeding Westchester. “We will continue to advocate for fully funded hunger relief programs; Nourish New York & the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP); an adequate minimum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit for all New Yorkers; restoration of funding for the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP); and funding for Universal School Meals to make certain that no child in New York goes hungry. We look forward to continuing work with Assemblyman Slater and our Westchester representatives to ensure these critical hunger relief programs are fully funded.”

Slater also continues to collaborate with organizations in the 94th Assembly District such as Feeding Westchester, Putnam CAP, St. Mary’s Food Pantry and local school districts, to advocate for much-needed funding. Despite bipartisan support, numerous press conferences and letters calling on the governor, we have yet to see this critical issue resolved.

*Click here for video coverage of the rally*