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Advocate for city, state, and federal policies that address hunger in New York City. Sign up for action alerts today.
Tell Congress and the USDA: Please oppose any budget reconciliation that would lead to reductions to SNAP and Medicaid
Join City Harvest in opposing any budget resolution that would undermine access to food assistance and health care through vital federal programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
Support Solutions to End Food Waste and Hunger
As proud members of the Zero Food Waste Coalition, we’re calling on Congress to support bold, commonsense legislation to tackle the food waste crisis at its roots.
Volunteer to Take Action
Volunteer to engage your community, fight hunger, and advocate for a more equitable and sustainable food system.
Our Policy Platform
#1: Address the Root Causes of Hunger
Advocate for policies that end hunger by addressing its root causes and confronting systemic inequities that disproportionately impact food insecure communities.
#2: Strengthen Government Programs
Strengthen and expand eligibility for income-based government benefit programs so that all New Yorkers can feed themselves and their families, ensuring that benefits reflect the true cost of living.
#3: Bolster NYC’s Charitable Food Network
Ensure that New York City’s food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelter networks have the resources to provide all food-insecure New Yorkers with access to food that accommodates individual and cultural preferences, and religious requirements, including Halal and Kosher.
#4: Create an Equitable and Sustainable Food System
Advocate for a food system that benefits workers, growers, and businesses that value their workforce, the environment, health and nutrition, and the local economy.
Our Advocacy Work
Advocacy Season 2025
This year, we’ve engaged thousands of advocates like you to push for public policies that invest in food security. Learn more here.
A Letter from the Desk of Jilly Stephens
Read a letter from our CEO in response to the catastrophic cuts to food assistance.
A Letter from the Desk of Jilly Stephens
Read a letter from our CEO in response to the Senate vote.
Joint Statement in Response to New York City Budget
City Harvest, Food Bank For New York City, and United Way of New York City respond to the New York City budget, and call for critical investments in food security.
2025 NYC Mayoral Candidates Forum: Hunger, Poverty, and Food Policy in NYC
City Harvest, alongside a coalition of leading hunger and food insecurity organizations, hosted a candidate forum to hear directly from the individuals running for NYC Mayor this year on this topic. Click to watch full recording.
A Letter from the Desk of Jilly Stephens
Read a letter from our CEO in response to the House of Representatives vote.
Response to New York State Budget, Call for Continued Leadership
Read the joint statement from City Harvest, Food Bank For New York City, and United Way of New York City on the New York State budget.
Joint Statement in Response to Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State Address
Read the joint statement from City Harvest, Food Bank For New York City, and United Way of New York City.
City Harvest Advocacy Awards
City Harvest works with hundreds of dedicated leaders at food pantries and soup kitchens across the city to advocate a more equitable food system—together. The City Harvest Advocacy Awards recognize these exceptional frontline leaders for their advocacy contributions to fighting hunger in New York City.
Policy and Advocacy Stats from the Past Year:
Testimonies & Comments
City Harvest supports food pantries and everyday New Yorkers by amplifying the voices of our neighbors through public testimonies and comments that we submit to all levels of government. Please find our recent official comments and testimonies on behalf of anti-hunger policies and programs below.
Testimony to NYS Assembly Committee on Human Services
Read the testimony of City Harvest before the New York State Assembly Committee on Human Services from February 12, 2025.
Testimony to NYC Council General Welfare Committee
Read the testimony of City Harvest before the New York City Council General Welfare Committee from March 17, 2025.
Testimony to NYC Council General Welfare Committee
Read the testimony of City Harvest before the New York City Council General Welfare Committee from April 3, 2025.