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Education

New York State Education Department Issues Guidance to Support Students and Families Experiencing Food Insecurity

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the nation grapples with the impending loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, the New York State Education Department has issued guidance to schools and local educational agencies to assist students and their families who may face food insecurity. The guidance emphasizes the Department's commitment to equity, compassion, and opportunity for all, and highlights the critical role that schools can play in addressing the needs of their communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York State Education Department has issued guidance to schools and local educational agencies to support students and their families experiencing food insecurity in anticipation of the November 1 lapse in SNAP funding.
  • The Department will continue to provide support to schools that already offer services and programs to meet the needs of their community members and will assist schools with new needs arising from community members' loss of benefits.
  • The Board of Regents stands with administrators, educators, and schools across New York as they continue to serve as anchors of care and stability within their communities.
  • Schools can continue the Universal Meal Program, which provides breakfast and lunch to students at no cost, and may anticipate increased demand due to the loss of SNAP benefits.
  • The Department will collaborate with Governor Hochul and State Agencies to support initiatives that address food insecurity in schools and their communities.
  • Schools will partner with Regional and Community Food Banks to provide nutrition options and distribution efforts for families.
  • The New York State Department of Health's Regional Food Bank Map will be widely shared to connect the school community with local food assistance locations.
  • Districts can request volunteers for food pantries or community schools through the 2025-26 Empire State Service Corps - Host Site Application form.

Statistics:

  • The SNAP program provides nutrition assistance to over 40 million people in the United States.
  • In New York State, over 1 million people rely on SNAP benefits. (Source: United States Department of Agriculture)
  • The New York State Education Department has a network of over 700 school districts and 78 Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) districts across the state.

Sources:

  • New York State Education Department
  • Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr.
  • Commissioner Betty A. Rosa
  • Governor Kathy Hochul
  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • New York State Department of Health's Regional Food Bank Map (link is external)
  • Empire State Service Corps (link is external)
  • SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. King Jr.

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