Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that nearly $6.5 billion in food assistance was delivered to low-income working New Yorkers in 2024 through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This federally funded initiative provides critical support to nearly 3 million New Yorkers each month, helping families with children, seniors, and those with disabilities afford healthy food. Governor Hochul emphasized that SNAP is the state’s most effective tool to combat hunger and food insecurity, a priority of her administration.
In 2024, SNAP benefits reached more than 1.7 million households across New York, with an average monthly benefit of $376 per household. About 18% of New Yorkers received assistance, with over half of the recipient households including children and 47% having an adult over 55 or a person with a disability. SNAP’s economic impact extends beyond food security, generating up to $1.54 in economic activity for every dollar invested.
Governor Hochul underscored the importance of federal support for SNAP, calling on congressional leaders to maintain funding for this essential program. In recent years, New York has expanded access to SNAP by streamlining application processes and eliminating unnecessary barriers. Initiatives such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) have enrolled approximately 500,000 eligible households, while the SNAP-Ed program educates recipients on nutritious meal planning and healthy lifestyles.
Additionally, New York implemented the Summer EBT program in 2024, issuing more than $240 million in food assistance to over two million low-income school-aged children. Other state-supported programs, including Nourish New York, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, and Double Up Food Bucks, enhance access to fresh, locally grown produce while supporting New York’s agricultural industry.
Governor Hochul reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to ensuring no New Yorker goes hungry and highlighted the broader impact of food assistance programs in creating healthier, more equitable communities. For more information about SNAP or to apply, visit myBenefits.ny.gov or ACCESS HRA for New York City residents.
