September 28, 2025

Feeding New York State Collects 63 Million Pounds of Food

News Summary

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Feeding New York State has achieved a milestone by collecting 63 million pounds of food. This effort, supported by funding from the Environmental Protection Fund, aims to combat hunger and food insecurity in New York. The initiative is a response to recent cuts in federal hunger program funding and highlights the importance of food recovery. Over 3 million food-insecure New Yorkers have benefited from this program, which also addresses environmental sustainability by reducing food waste.

New York – Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that Feeding New York State achieved a significant milestone by collecting 63 million pounds of food. This accomplishment marks a noteworthy achievement for the state association of New York’s 10 Feeding America member food banks and showcases a commitment to combat hunger and food insecurity across the state.

The achievement is part of the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, which emphasizes the importance of food recovery and donation initiatives. Hochul highlighted the necessity for programs providing access to nutritious food, especially in light of recent federal cuts to hunger program funding that could affect food assistance for vulnerable populations.

Since 2018, New York has made substantial investments totaling $10.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund to bolster Feeding New York State and its regional food banks. This funding supports staffing efforts to enhance food donation efforts, mobilizing employees to grocery stores, restaurants, and colleges to facilitate food recovery and support essential equipment needs for food banks.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton expressed pride in the achievement, calling attention to the positive implications of this milestone on both food insecurity and broader climate issues, as food recovery helps to mitigate waste and lower landfill emissions.

Feeding New York State’s Interim Executive Director Kathleen Stress noted that over 3 million food-insecure New Yorkers have already benefited from the food that has been redirected, illustrating the program’s impact on those in need. The food recovery initiative not only addresses hunger but also contributes positively to environmental sustainability by reducing food waste.

The ongoing implementation of state legislation and financial support aims to further strengthen food security across New York. This initiative aligns with the state’s broader objectives to ensure access to healthy food for all residents, and to motivate organizations to collectively tackle the dual issues of food insecurity and waste management.

Feeding New York State continues to be a vital resource for those in need, bridging the gap between food surplus and food insecurity through strategic partnerships and effective resource management. The state’s commitment to food donation and recycling marks a proactive approach to resolving hunger issues that persist in many communities.

As policies and programs evolve, New York sets a pressing example of how state support and community engagement can significantly impact food recovery efforts, ultimately fostering greater food security and a healthier environment for all its residents.