Response to Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Address
“In her State of the State address, Governor Hochul rightly acknowledged that New York is deeply unaffordable for millions of families. The Governor's proposed solutions, including addressing housing costs, investing in childcare, strengthening the agricultural industry, and prioritizing maternal and mental health treatments, are commendable steps toward enhancing affordability.
However, the urgent need to address rising food insecurity is critically missing. We know that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital support for New Yorkers struggling to afford food. In addition to reducing poverty and improving nutrition security for vulnerable families, SNAP is a proven tool for supporting jobs and grocers while stimulating local economies. And yet it is simply not feasible for low-income New Yorkers to afford groceries with just $23 per month. A bipartisan group of 56 New York legislators asked Gov. Kathy Hochul to increase the minimum benefit of SNAP to $100 across the state. Investing in an increase of the minimum SNAP benefit is one of the most significant steps our state can take to address rising food insecurity and make it more affordable for families to have consistent access to healthy food.
With food insecurity on the rise, the NY Food Policy Alliance—along with nearly 70% of New Yorkers—strongly urges the Governor and legislative leaders to support a minimum SNAP benefit of $100 per month in the FY2025 state budget.”