During Hunger Action Month and Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Feeding New York State has collected 63 million pounds of food as part of the ongoing implementation of the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law. This initiative aims to support New Yorkers in need while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
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 helps reduce landfill waste and associated climate impacts by redirecting surplus food from large businesses to those experiencing food insecurity. According to state officials, funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has played a key role in capturing new donations.
Since 2018, DEC has allocated $10.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to Feeding New York State and its 10 regional food banks. The funds have been used to increase staff outreach at grocery stores, restaurants, colleges, and other facilities; encourage participation in donation programs; and purchase vehicles and equipment needed for transporting donated food.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “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.”
DEC also provided $4.26 million through EPF grants to 145 emergency food relief organizations—including pantries and soup kitchens—to help them buy equipment needed for cooling or transporting donated foods.
The partnership between state agencies such as DEC—and organizations like Feeding New York State—is considered an example among national models for diverting edible surplus away from waste streams toward people facing hunger. As reported by June 2025 data from Feeding New York State, monthly donations now exceed 2.4 million pounds over recent months—a notable increase compared with initial collection rates when retail recovery began in October 2021.
Additionally, hunters across the state continue contributing nearly 40 tons of venison annually through partnerships involving DEC, regional not-for-profits such as Feeding New York State’s member banks, deer processors,and coalitions focused on meat donations.
In 2024 alone,the DEC issued more than $14,400 in hunter-donated funds directly supporting Feeding New York State along with over $7,000 going to venison-specific coalition efforts.
