During Hunger Action Month and Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Feeding New York State has redirected 63 million pounds of food through the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law. This milestone is part of an ongoing effort to address both food insecurity and environmental concerns in the state.
Governor Hochul stated, “As the federal government continues to slash funds for hunger programs nationwide, New York State is proud to support initiatives that provide access to healthy, quality food for those who need it. Through effective legislation and financial support to organizations like Feeding New York State, we are working closely with businesses and institutions helping prevent food from needlessly being thrown away, reducing harmful greenhouse gas pollution, and bolstering food security at a crucial time for New Yorkers.”
The law aims to reduce waste and lower emissions from landfilling by encouraging large food-related businesses to donate surplus food. Funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) supports these efforts by increasing participation among businesses and improving logistical capabilities for regional food banks.
Since 2018, DEC has provided $10.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to Feeding New York State and its 10 regional member food banks. The funding helps deploy staff to increase program participation among grocery stores, restaurants, colleges, and other facilities. It also supports purchases of vehicles and equipment needed for collecting donations.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton commented on the achievement: “Diverting 63 million pounds of healthy, quality food and keeping it out of landfills is a tremendous milestone that is a source of pride for DEC. I applaud Feeding New York State and the participating businesses and other institutions who are playing a direct role in helping New Yorkers grappling with food insecurity and harmful climate impacts. Together with Governor Hochul’s ongoing leadership, the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, EPF investments, and public-private collaborations create a model for supporting the long-term health and well-being of local communities.”
Feeding New York State Interim Executive Director Kathleen Stress added: “With the assistance of New York State’s Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, Feeding New York State and our partners have redirected 63 million pounds of wholesome food to more than 3 million food-insecure New Yorkers—food that would have otherwise been wasted in landfills. With the law’s continued expansion and the strong commitment of Governor Hochul and DEC, we are building one of the nation’s most impactful Food Recovery Programs, helping turn surplus into sustenance and bringing us closer to a hunger-free New York.”
In addition to supporting regional food banks, DEC awarded $4.26 million through EPF grants to 145 emergency food relief organizations across the state. These grants help purchase equipment necessary for cooling or transporting donated foods.
The partnership between state agencies like DEC and organizations such as Feeding New York State serves as a national model for diverting edible surplus from waste streams into hunger relief channels. As reported by Feeding New York State in June 2025, monthly donations exceeded 2.4 million pounds over six months—a sharp increase from early program figures when only about 50-60 thousand pounds were collected per month after its October 2021 launch.
Hunters in New York can also contribute by donating venison through partnerships between DEC, not-for-profit groups including regional food banks under Feeding New York State’s umbrella, deer processors, and coalitions like Venison Donation Coalition. In 2024 alone, nearly 40 tons of venison were contributed annually via these efforts; DEC issued more than $14,400 in hunter-donated funds to Feeding New York State as well as over $7,000 directly supporting venison donation initiatives.
For more information on composting or reducing household waste practices statewide visit DEC’s website.
