Governor Hochul Announces $10 Million for Food Banks and Emergency Food Organizations Through NY PLATES Program
New York State is investing $10 million into the physical infrastructure of its hunger relief network through a new program called NY PLATES — New York Providing Local Access to Essential Sustenance. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the funding is now available for eligible food banks, food pantries, emergency food assistance organizations and municipalities providing food relief services across the state.
The program was included in the FY 2026–27 Enacted Budget and is designed to help organizations modernize the facilities, vehicles and equipment they need to store, transport and distribute food safely. The state says the goal is to strengthen New York’s emergency food system at a time when demand for food assistance remains high and federal support for nutrition programs is being reduced.
NY PLATES is not a general operating grant. It is a capital grant program, meaning the money is intended for long-term infrastructure improvements. Eligible projects may include the design, construction, renovation or reconstruction of food assistance facilities, as well as the purchase of essential equipment such as industrial refrigerators, freezers, cold storage units and food transport vehicles.
For food banks and food pantries, this type of investment can be critical. Many organizations do not only need more food donations — they also need reliable buildings, loading areas, refrigeration, storage space and transportation capacity. Without that infrastructure, emergency food providers may be limited in how much fresh food, frozen food and prepared supplies they can safely handle.
Governor Hochul framed the program as a direct investment in the backbone of New York’s hunger relief system. According to the Governor’s office, the funding is meant to expand capacity, modernize operations and make sure that communities across the state are not left behind.
The program will serve eligible organizations within New York’s 10 regional food bank territories. Applications will be reviewed competitively based on project need, expected impact and project viability. The program is administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) in partnership with the New York State Department of Health, Division of Nutrition — Bureau of Nutrition Security.
The application period for NY PLATES opens on July 8, 2026, and applications must be submitted by August 20, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced no earlier than October 20, 2026.
Nonprofit applicants must be prequalified in the New York Statewide Financial System (SFS) before submitting an application and must remain prequalified through the grant agreement and payment process. The state is also encouraging potential applicants to review the Request for Applications, submit written questions and watch the upcoming webinar explaining the application process.
A webinar video is scheduled to be posted on the DASNY website on June 19, 2026. Answers to questions submitted before June 26, 2026 are expected to be posted by July 2, 2026.
For New Yorkers who rely on local food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency food programs, the announcement is significant because it focuses on the infrastructure behind the service. A pantry with better refrigeration can store more fresh produce and dairy. A food bank with better vehicles can reach more communities. A renovated facility can serve more families safely and efficiently.
NY PLATES is part of a broader state effort to address food insecurity and nutrition security in New York. The program recognizes that fighting hunger requires more than temporary emergency response. It requires a stronger delivery system — buildings, equipment, transportation and regional coordination — so that emergency food providers can respond faster and serve more people when families need help.
Why NY PLATES Matters
Food insecurity is not only a poverty issue. It is also an infrastructure issue. When food banks lack refrigeration, storage space or transportation, they may be unable to accept or distribute large quantities of fresh food. That can reduce the quality and volume of assistance available to families, seniors, children and working New Yorkers facing financial stress.
By funding capital projects, NY PLATES aims to improve the long-term capacity of the emergency food network. The program could help local organizations move from short-term crisis management to more stable, modern and scalable food distribution.
For eligible organizations, the key dates are clear:
- June 11, 2026: Question period opens
- June 19, 2026: DASNY webinar video scheduled to be posted
- June 26, 2026: Deadline to submit questions for posted responses
- July 2, 2026: Answers to submitted questions expected to be posted
- July 8, 2026: Application period opens
- August 20, 2026: Application deadline
- October 20, 2026 or later: Awards expected to be announced
Official Sources and Useful Links
DASNY is administering the NY PLATES capital grant program in partnership with the New York State Department of Health.
https://www.dasny.org/news/2026/ny-plates-governor-hochul-announces-10-million-available-food-banks-and-emergency-food
Potential applicants should review the Request for Applications and grant instructions through DASNY.
https://www.dasny.org/
The Department of Health’s nutrition programs support food access, nutrition security and public health across New York State.
https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/
Not-for-profit applicants must be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System before submitting applications for many state grants.
https://www.sfs.ny.gov/
Information and resources for organizations applying for New York State grant opportunities.
https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/
Statewide association representing New York’s regional food banks.
Feeding NYS