During Hunger Action Month, Governor Hochul Announces 110 Million Pounds of Food Redirected Through State’s Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Program

In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a major milestone in helping feed New Yorkers in need while also reducing pollution that contributes to climate change. Feeding New York State, the state association of New York's 10 Feeding America member food banks, reached a record 110-million-pound collection milestone as part of the ongoing implementation of the nation-leading New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law.

"As the Trump administration cruelly cuts critical food assistance programs across the country, 3 million New Yorkers continue to lack dependable access to food," said Governor Hochul. "Working with some of New York's most cherished organizations, from grocery stores to sports venues to colleges to theme parks, today's milestone represents a collective triumph for New York's food donation program and affirms our nation-leading work to address food insecurity and feed hungry New Yorkers."

About 7.8 billion pounds of food, the equivalent weight of 17,333 Statues of Liberty, is wasted each year in New York State. The most common are baked goods, fresh produce, meat, foods that can be stored at room temperature, and frozen foods.

Recent data analysis shows the negative impact that federal cuts have had on New Yorkers who rely on help to feed themselves and their families.

The New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law requires businesses and institutions that generate large quantities of wasted food per week to donate excess edible food and recycle all remaining food scraps if they are within 25 miles of an organics recycler. The success of the law demonstrates the State's commitment to vulnerable New Yorkers impacted by devastating federal cuts to social programs that feed communities across the nation. The program also helps reduce waste and climate-altering emissions caused by landfilling.

In addition to the law, record volumes of food donated from the state's largest food-related businesses reach hungry New Yorkers as a direct result of Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) funding to capture new food donations and help build stronger, healthier communities. DEC provided $10.8 million to Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) since 2018. The funds are used by Feeding New York State to deploy staff to grocery stores, restaurants, colleges, and other food industry facilities to increase participation in the program and encourage food donations. The funds also support vehicle and equipment purchases for the 10 regional food banks to increase food pickup capabilities for food pantries, meal centers, and other partner agencies.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said,"Feeding New York State, food banks, and food relief organizations all contribute to providing critically needed food to New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity. This law has profoundly impacted the amount of wholesome food that these organizations are able to distribute to our communities throughout the state. DEC greatly values our partnership with Feeding New York State and their efforts that helped us reach this amazing milestone. We encourage any institution or business interested in starting or expanding a food donation program to utilize Feeding New York State and their resources."

In recognition of the ongoing success of the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, Governor Hochul signed amendments to the law in 2025 that expand the number of entities required to participate and further increase the amount of food donations available. DEC is finalizing revisions to current regulations to implement these amendments. On January 1, 2027, the law will decrease the generating criteria to entities that generate 1 ton of wasted food per week or more and increase the recycling criteria to within 50 miles of an organics recycler. On January 1, 2029, the law will further decrease the generating criteria to 0.5 tons of wasted food per week or more.

This coming change will add more than 1,400 new entities that are required to participate, including but not limited to entities in food business sectors that were already participating, as well as new sectors such as airports, convention and trade shows, and food processors.

Feeding New York State Executive Director Elizabeth Cooper said, "With the assistance of New York State's Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, Feeding New York State and our partners have now recovered more than 110 million pounds of wholesome food and redirected it to New Yorkers in need rather than allowing it to go to landfills where it contributes to environmental and health problems. This law has demonstrated what is possible when New York invests in turning surplus food into sustenance. In 2027, the law will expand to include more than 1,400 additional food generators, creating an unprecedented opportunity to recover even more nutritious food-but our food recovery system must have the infrastructure and capacity to meet that opportunity. With continued partnership from Governor Hochul and DEC, our statewide network can ensure this expansion means more food recovered, less food wasted, and continued progress toward a hunger-free New York State."

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "The New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law and DEC's program that supports the collection of additional food donations for our food banks and pantries is a win all around: for our families, our food banks and pantries, for the businesses who are more easily able to donate. Battling food insecurity is one of the State's major priorities and I'm proud that the State Agriculture Department has doubled down on its own efforts to ensure more New Yorkers have access to good, local food and that our farmers have new market opportunities. I congratulate all the partners involved in reaching this milestone and on our longstanding collaborative work fighting hunger together."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York's food businesses are proving that doing right by their communities and running a smart operation go hand in hand. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, this program has turned surplus food into meals for families in need while helping grocers, restaurants and institutions cut waste. As the law expands to additional businesses, including airports, convention centers and food processors, even more New York companies will have the opportunity to strengthen the communities they serve."

New York State Leads on Hunger, Food Diversion, and Recycling

The partnership between New York State and Feeding New York State is a nation-leading model for food diversion programs. As of July 2026, Feeding New York State reported receiving more than 26 million pounds of food donations since the start of the year, a total that exceeds the amount of food donated for all of 2024. The program previously reached the 63-million-pound food donation milestone in September 2025.

No one wants to see good food go to waste. Feeding NYS is available to assist any business or institution who would like to learn more about setting up or expanding their food donation program.

Venison Donations from New York's Hunters

New York's hunters are reminded they can continue to help prevent food insecurity by participating in venison donation efforts. Each year, DEC partners with the Venison Donation Coalition and Feeding New York State to help provide food for those in need. Hunters contribute nearly 40 tons of venison each year through a cooperative relationship involving the New York State Department of Health, nonprofit organizations, like Feeding New York State's regional food banks, and deer processors. In 2025, DEC issued more than $14,400 in hunter-donated funds to Feeding New York State and more than $7,000 to the Venison Donation Coalition.

With new hunting regulations in place for fall 2026, there's more opportunity than ever for hunters to harvest an antlerless deer and donate it to those in need. When hunters choose a doe, they can help the hungry, their hometown, the habitat, and the herd.

Hunters can donate their deer or part of it at a cooperating processor, support their regional food bank monetarily, or make a cash donation to the Venison Donation Coalition when purchasing their hunting license to help offset the cost of processing donated venison. To learn more on how to support these programs or donate venison to help feed local families, visit the Venison Donation Coalition or Feeding New York State.