There is a Catholic Charities in every diocese in New York State that responds to food insecurities and nutritional access. Catholic Charities, including our own Brooklyn and Queens agency, partners with New York state to serve the people by providing food pantries and nutritional access services to New Yorkers in need. The current proposed budget continues to promote $106 million in support of nutrition programs which include $51 million for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and $55 Million for the Nourish New York Program.

Catholic Charities offers these services because of our compassionate sense of charity for all those in need. Our mission of charity also guides us to promote justice as we see issues and polices that negatively affect the poor and neglected members of our communities. We are reminded of this by our Holy Father who tells us in his first apostolic exhortation:  

Those inspired by true charity know full well that almsgiving does not absolve the competent authorities of their responsibilities, eliminate the duty of government institutions to care for the poor, or detract from rightful efforts to ensure justice. 

We recognize that the increased cost of living, especially regarding food prices, has severely impacted lower-income New Yorkers, exacerbating the struggles faced by vulnerable individuals and families. With the federal government's recent changes to their funding, it is critical that New York step up to expand and fortify nutrition programs so that our agencies can help as many hungry New Yorkers as possible. 

We specifically are asking our lawmakers to:

• Increase combined funding for Nourish New York and the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) to $150 million.
• Restore $8.5 million for SNAP Outreach so eligible New Yorkers can enroll in and stay enrolled in SNAP.
• Invest $30 million in SNAP-Ed to protect nutrition education and outreach statewide to sustain proven programs that strengthen communities.
• Invest in FY27 budget solutions that make life more affordable, including healthcare, childcare, and housing—the top cost pressures facing pantry participants.

We urge prioritization of these programs and an expansion of eligibility, ensuring that all those in need receive the assistance they require to thrive.