New York food banks, pantries and emergency food providers will soon be able to apply for funding through a new $10 million state grant program aimed at expanding hunger relief efforts across the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that applications will open next month for the New York Providing Local Access to Essential Sustenance, or NY PLATES, capital grant program. The funding was included in the state fiscal year 2026-27 budget and will support organizations that provide emergency food assistance.
The competitive grant program is available to eligible food banks, emergency food programs and municipalities serving communities within New York's 10 regional food bank territories.
"Food banks and pantries across New York are working around the clock to make sure no family goes hungry, and they deserve the facilities and equipment to do that work effectively," Hochul said in a statement. "With NY PLATES, we are making a direct investment in the infrastructure of hunger relief – expanding capacity, modernizing operations, and standing up for New Yorkers at a time when the federal government is turning its back on critical nutrition programs. This funding will help ensure that no community is left behind."
Funding may be used to design, construct or renovate facilities, make infrastructure improvements and purchase equipment needed to store and distribute food. Eligible purchases include refrigeration units, freezers, cold-storage systems and food transport vehicles.
The program aims to help organizations increase their capacity to safely store, transport and distribute food to New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity.
Applications open July 8 and must be submitted by Aug. 20. Grant awards are expected to be announced no earlier than Oct. 20.
Nonprofit applicants must obtain approved prequalification status through the Statewide Financial System before submitting an application and maintain that status throughout the grant process.
NY PLATES is administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York in partnership with the New York State Department of Health's Division of Nutrition.
A webinar explaining the application process will be posted on June 19. Responses to questions submitted by June 26 will be posted July 2. Additional information, including the request for applications, is available through DASNY.
