Spitzer Proposes 24% Increase in Emergency Food Funds

Advocates praised Gov. Spitzer today for proposing a long-overdue increase in the HPNAP program, the only New York State government funding source for soup kitchens and food pantries.

If adopted by the Legislature, Governor Spitzer’s proposal would raise funding by $5.5 million, from the level of $22.84 million proposed last year by then-Governor George Pataki to a new level of $28.34 million. This elevation would provide HPNAP with $3.9 million (13%) more than the peak level of program funding of five years ago.