Urgent Action Alert: Please Call and Share with Your Networks Today
FBST - Advocacy
Hello FBST Network Partners—
I am writing with an urgent action alert. Please share this with your networks and call Governor Hochul today.
Governor Hochul’s proposed FY2027 budget funds Nourish New York at $52 million — $23 million below the $75 million needed to sustain this critical program statewide. We need your voice today by calling today.
Nourish New York is an essential program in the supplemental food system that not only feeds our neighbors in need but also supports NYS farmers and manufacturers. It is hands down the best state “emergency food program” that we have. In a time where consumers and farmers alike are feeling the devastating effects of our administration’s trade choices—fertilizer, fuel, and food’s mounting costs. Along with inflation, energy costs, and the recent data from our State Comptroller that the median income is not keeping pace.
HPNAP and NNY each respectively make-up about 10% of our revenue budget (20% combined). More importantly though, Donated and TEFAP Food are probably significantly decreased to-date. We are relying more on the purchased funds than ever. Our current inventory is 84% wholesale right now, that's a huge outlier compared to food banks on major shipping routes. When looking at funds for purchased food, HPNAP/NNY is 74% of those funds.
Any cut is a huge blow to our network’s health—these funds are our keystone during this pressure.
Important economic context to note: our region has many who are considered ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed)—here are the numbers by county:
Broome: 43,546
Chemung:10,392
Schyler: 1,977
Stueben: 10,928
Tioga: 6,022
Tompkins: 13.906 people
This means 86,771 people are not eligible for SNAP in our service area, likely struggling to get their basic needs met. This is the population Nourish New York helps. Our pantry partners rely on this funding.
We know that the cuts to SNAP—including the new work requirement rules—and the administrative cost shift to NYS are going to be a challenge for folks to make ends meet and for our state find the funds to help. This is not the time to underfund this program that supports local ag economies, feeds people the healthy local perishables they want and need and mitigates national food sourcing costs and outputs.
Please call today! Share this email with your networks and encourage them to call the Governor’s office as well.
Thank you,
Sarah
Please see the attached document above for more details, or start here:
How to Reach the Governor’s Office
Phone: (518) 474-8390
Online: governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Opening Statement (for calls)
Use this to introduce yourself and frame your message:
“My name is [name] and I am a [staff member / volunteer / client] at [food bank / food pantry / food program] in [city/community]. I am reaching out to urge Governor Hochul to fund Nourish New York at $75 million in the final FY 2027 state budget. This program is a lifeline for food-insecure New Yorkers and a direct investment in New York farms and communities.”
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Sarah JP DeFrank Food Bank of the Southern Tier 607.796.6061 x4024 | sarah....@foodbankst.org 388 Upper Oakwood Ave. | Elmira, New York 14903
Working together to build and sustain hunger-free communities throughout the Southern Tier. |
