past hunger alerts: January 2003 | November 2002 | June 2002 | Alert on State Minimum Wage | April 2002

Immediate Action is Necessary to Restore $1.6 Million in
EFP funding through HPNAP!

The Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) is a major source of state funding for New York State’s food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters. HPNAP funding enables Emergency Food Programs (EFPs) to provide wholesome food and other services to their guests.

On January 29, 2003, Governor Pataki released his proposed state budget, which included $22.84 million for HPNAP, which is a $1.6 million cut! Last year, HPNAP was funded at $24.44 million with about $10.8 million from the State’s general fund and the remaining $13.6 million from federal money for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) welfare block grant.

This cutback will have a devastating impact on EFPs and the 900,000 New Yorkers whom they currently assist every week. Hunger Action’s statewide survey of EFPs found that 73% of EFPs reported an increase in demand for food comparing 9/01 and 9/02. There was a 27% increase in demand for food, which programs attributed to the poor economy, low wages, job loss, reduction in the number of days people work, and the ripple effects caused by the WTC attack, among other things. However, we still have time to increase HPNAP funds! The state legislature and the Governor will pass a final state budget later this spring. Tell the Governor and your state representatives, “Because hunger in our state is currently on the rise and food pantries are already struggling to meet the increased demand, it is essential that New York State restore and adequately fund HPNAP!”

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Contact NYS Elected Officials on Tues. February 11 as part of a Statewide HPNAP Action Day

Governor George Pataki (518) 474-8390
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (518) 455-3791
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (518) 455-3191
Your State Assembly and State Senate Representative www.vote-smart.org

Please join with the 3,000 EFPs and anti-hunger advocates across the state and call the above key state representatives and urge them to Increase HPNAP funding to $30.4 Million. Tell them about the devastating effects on your program and low-income people if HPNAP is not restored and adequately funded. It is essential that elected officials hear from EFPs on this issue. Please call as soon as you receive this alert. You can also write a letter or meet with your elected official or even ask a friend to call. Together, our voices can make a difference!

Write a Lettter to the Editor of Your Local Newspaper

Talk about the potential impact on yourself, your local food program, and the future of New York State. Urge Governor Pataki to negotiate with the legislature on a budget that includes social services for low-income people, such as HPNAP.