New York Health Foundation Commits $1 Million to Address Urgent Hunger Crisis

November 3, 2025, New York, NY - 3 millionNew Yorkers are in an immediate hunger crisis because the federal government is delaying and reducing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown. The federal government is providing partial benefits under court orders, having previously threatened to fully withhold benefits. To meet this dire moment, the New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) is committing $1 million for immediate cash relief to New York families at risk of hunger.

The grant funds will be administered by Propel, a New York-based civic tech organization that connects an estimated 400,000 New Yorkers to SNAP electronic benefits and can distribute emergency aid. NYHealth's grant will directly fund a $50 cash transfer to New York families on the platform who receive the maximum SNAP allotment-a key indicator of high need.

"The ripple effects of the shutdown are hurting more people every day. It is unconscionable to deprive the hungry of food assistance and force them to choose between eating, keeping the lights on, or paying rent," said David Sandman, Ph.D., President and CEO of NYHealth. "Just as SNAP does when fully funded, these dollars support the autonomy and dignity of New Yorkers so they can shop for food without relying on overwhelmed food pantries."

Hunger rates in New York State have surpassed early pandemic levels, according to the latest NYHealth data brief. With rising food prices, inflation, and stagnant wages, working families are increasingly relying on food assistance programs, like SNAP, as a lifeline to survive.

"This infusion of funds will provide immediate relief for families struggling to put food on the table," said Stacy Taylor, Vice President of Policy at Propel."The New York Health Foundation was one of the first to pledge million-dollar emergency support, and we hope it leads to more donors as we navigate this crisis and urge the federal government to restore adequate funding."

"Private philanthropy can't come close to replacing the federal dollars," said Ellen Rautenberg, Chair of the NYHealth Board of Directors. "But we can do our part, step out of our lane, and inspire others to act."

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The New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) is a private, statewide foundation dedicated to improving the health of all New Yorkers, especially people of color and others who have been historically marginalized. The Foundation is committed to making grants, informing health policy and practice, spreading effective programs to improve the health care system and the health of New Yorkers, serving as a convener of health leaders across the State, and providing technical assistance to its grantees and partners.