The Alliance for a Hunger Free New York: Fall 2024 Newsletter
- Peyton Yourch
- Nov 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Alliance Annual Member Meeting: Building Momentum Together
This September, members gathered at Dutchess Outreach for our annual Alliance Member Meeting. The meeting highlighted our collective achievements, welcomed two new member organizations, and set ambitious advocacy goals for the upcoming state budget season. Through our newly formed membership and advocacy committees, we're strengthening our united voice for a hunger-free New York.
See more about our newest members and budget priorities below.
By Supporting the Frontlines of Change, TOGETHER We Can End Hunger!
It takes a community to end hunger, and we are working towards a world where everyone having enough to eat is not only a cause, but a commitment to justice and equality.
Our 2025 Budget Priorities
As food insecurity continues to surge across New York State, with frontline providers reporting a staggering 70% increase in service since 2019, The Alliance is taking bold action. At our annual meeting, members united behind a clear mission: securing $75 million for Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and $75 million for Nourish New York.
These programs are lifelines to nearly 3 million New Yorkers currently struggling to afford food. HPNAP ensures our network can continue to provide nutritious, culturally appropriate foods to their communities, while Nourish New York creates a vital bridge between New York farmers and hungry families. Together, they form the backbone of our state's emergency food system.
Meet Our Newest Members!
We’re proud to welcome two anti-hunger champions to The Alliance for a Hunger Free New York; Family Services Association of Glens Falls and Cooperstown Food Pantry.
Family Services Association of Glens Falls brings vital support to Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties, serving over 1,500 households in 2023. Their comprehensive approach combines food assistance with compassionate guidance, helping neighbors move beyond immediate challenges toward lasting stability.
Cooperstown Food Pantry had an impressive distribution of 240,000 pounds of food last year. They serve as a lifeline for nearly 2,500 Otsego County residents. Their multi-faceted program integrates food pantry services, food rescue efforts, and innovative food-as-medicine initiatives to address hunger comprehensively.
If you or an organization you know might be interested in joining The Alliance’s coalition of frontline community food providers, please visit our “Become a Member Page" for more information or get involved here.
Act Now!
The Alliance for a Hunger Free New York is calling on New York State’s leaders to bolster our state's essential anti-hunger programs. We invite you to amplify this urgent message.
Read our joint letter to Governor Hochul outlining the critical need for increased funding for HPNAP and Nourish New York [here]
Add your voice by signing on to our organizational sign-on letter by November 22nd. This letter is asking Governor Hochul to support universal school meals, expansions to SNAP benefits and eligibility, and full funding for statewide nutrition programs. [Sign on here]
Stay engaged! Keep an eye out for updates on January's People's State of the State and join our advocacy network for regular updates on how you can help create lasting change.
Opportunities
State Grant Opportunities:
NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets
2025 SNAP-Ed Community Growers: Grants to support garden-based nutrition education and food production in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligible communities. View the RFA here.
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment Grants 2024: Grants for 501c3 non-profits that provide emergency food relief in NYS, excluding food banks, for equipment including trucks, refrigerated vehicles, freezers, walk-ins, and more. View the RFA here.
Advocacy Opportunity
Add your voice by signing on to our organizational sign-on letter by November 22nd. This letter is asking Governor Hochul to support universal school meals, expansions to SNAP benefits and eligibility, and full funding for statewide nutrition programs. [Sign on here]
Upcoming Events:
ADK Food Systems Regional Roundtable
What: AFSN is partnering with a handful of agencies to convene roundtables throughout the region that discuss shared challenges and opportunities for local food systems, specifically with a purpose to understand points for collective action and support.
When: The remaining two events will be hosted on Thursday, November 14 and Thursday, December 12.
Register: On the Adirondack Food Systems Network Website Here
Rally to End Child Poverty
What: Join us and raise your voice in support of policies that support NY families and reduce child poverty.
When: November 19th, 2pm
Where: New York State Capitol, Albany, NY
Register: Here
See the Child Poverty Solutions Here
Strengthening the Food Safety Net: NY Health Foundation Conference
When: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 (12:30pm – 5:30pm)
Where: The Venue at City Harvest (171 53rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11232)
What: Join the New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) to discuss efforts to address disparities, expand the food safety net, and identify local models that could be scaled across New York. With other nonprofit leaders, officials, and journalists, attendees will explore opportunities to support cross-sector collaboration, investment in public benefits, and advocacy.
Register: Here
Save The Date: Food Justice Summit
When: February 27, 2024
Who: Hosted by the Adirondack Food Systems Network
Call for Presenters: If you have a topic, experience, or innovative idea that aligns with our mission of building a more equitable and resilient food system, we encourage you to submit your proposal. This is a fantastic opportunity to share your expertise and inspire actionable change. Proposals are due December 1, 2024. Submit Proposals: Here
About The Alliance
The Alliance for a Hunger Free New York is a member-driven coalition of frontline emergency food providers across New York State. Our work is to amplify the collective voices and build a supportive network of frontline community food providers, like food pantries and community meals programs, as well community members experiencing food insecurity. Our vision is a hunger free New York.
What we do:
Facilitate NYS network of frontline community food providers to share information and learn
Coordinate member-driven collective action and advocacy to increase resources for frontline community food providers
Convene anti-hunger stakeholders for coordination with the Collaborative Anti-Hunger Advocacy Meetings
Develop lived experience community organizing and advocacy towards a hunger-free New York
Support access to food providers through our Food Connect Map and Database
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