Joint Statement On The FY27 New York City Budget

As the impacts of federal cuts to critical safety net programs continue to unfold, New York City’s investment in food security has never been more important. With reductions to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other federal nutrition supports, rising food costs, and an affordability crisis that continues to strain families, state and local government play an increasingly vital role in ensuring New Yorkers can put food on the table.

The City’s newly adopted Fiscal Year 2027 budget marks a significant commitment to addressing food insecurity by increasing funding for the Community Food Connection program to approximately $80 million. This investment, including an increase in baseline funding to $54 million, represents an important step toward strengthening New York City’s emergency food network and ensuring that communities facing food insecurity have reliable access to the resources they need. At a time when demand continues to grow and federal support for critical nutrition programs is declining, this funding commitment reinforces the vital role of the emergency food network and demonstrates the importance of local leadership in supporting New Yorkers when they need it most.

We are grateful to the thousands of New Yorkers who contacted their elected officials and stood alongside food pantry leaders who rallied on the steps of City Hall and testified before the City Council. We also thank Mayor Mamdani, Council Speaker Menin, and the members of the City Council for recognizing the importance of investing in Community Food Connection and the network of community-based organizations that serve New Yorkers every day.

Since 2019, visits to NYC food pantries have surged by 82 percent; food prices have climbed 25 percent, and food charities have absorbed millions in federal funding cuts with pressures now compounded by recent federal policy changes. Across the city, more than 3.6 million people rely on Medicaid and nearly 2 million on SNAP yet expanded work requirements and new eligibility rules put roughly 223,000 New Yorkers at risk of losing food assistance. This is not because they need it less, but because of new barriers that will only continue to strain the emergency food system.

Together with advocates, community organizations, and our partners in city and state government, we are doing everything to meet the moment. By continuing to invest in food security, we can ensure every New Yorker has access to the nourishment they need while building a stronger, more resilient city for the future.