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Governor Kathy Hochul has called for a Day of Hunger Action in New York, urging all members of the Empire State Service Corps and residents to address food insecurity today. The ongoing federal shutdown has put Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for over three million New Yorkers at risk, prompting the state to take immediate action.
Hochul's initiative mobilizes 500 students from 45 State University of New York (SUNY) campuses, who are part of the Empire State Service Corps, to support local food banks and pantries. These students, who typically engage in various civic duties, will focus on combating food insecurity during this crisis.
Governor Hochul emphasized that no one should face hunger due to political bargaining. She has committed $100 million in state funds to support food banks in meeting the increased demand.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King praised the students' readiness to assist, while State Senator Robert Jackson and Assemblymember Sarah Clark highlighted the importance of this initiative. The Day of Hunger Action comes as New York grapples with potential SNAP benefit disruptions, following a federal court order for contingency funding that remains uncertain.
Chancellor King stated, "The Corps works across several areas, including food insecurity, K–12 education, mental health, sustainability, and veteran outreach." This initiative aims to alleviate the strain on local food resources during the federal shutdown.
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