All Empire State Service Corps Students Will Be Asked To Support Efforts To Combat Food Insecurity; Assisting Food Pantries and Food Banks Throughout New York State
Campaign Comes as the Shutdown Continues and 3 Million New Yorkers’ SNAP Benefits Are Under Threat
Governor Kathy Hochul today urged all members of the Empire State Service Corps and all New Yorkers to combat food insecurity and commit to a day of hunger action on Friday, November 7. As the shutdown continues and New Yorkers’ SNAP benefits are under threat, Governor Hochul's request will necessitate all Empire State Service Corps members, regardless of their usual area of service focus, support efforts combating food insecurity. The Empire State Service Corps, championed by Governor Hochul, is New York State’s largest AmeriCorps program. Through the program, 500 students from 45 SUNY campuses throughout New York State commit to dedicating at least 300 hours to engaging in paid community service, while also convening regularly to share and learn from each other’s experiences.
“Three million New Yorkers are navigating food insecurity because of the confusion and dysfunction coming out of Washington,” Governor Hochul said. “No one should go hungry or have to endure additional stress because the food assistance they expect and deserve is being used as a bargaining chip. Our state is stepping up: the Empire State Service Corps provides SUNY students with civic engagement opportunities to serve their communities, and during the crisis I am proud that these students are ready to help our most vulnerable.”
Governor Hochul’s initiative calls on students to coordinate with SUNY staff and assist with regional food pantries and foodbanks, or to provide services at their campus food pantries. This action builds on Governor Hochul’s recently announced $100 million in state funds dedicated to assisting food pantries and banks statewide during this time of unprecedented demand.
Focus Areas Empire State Service Corps Members Traditionally Work In Include:
Civic Engagement/Civil Discourse: Students will serve either on or off campus with organizations such as local nonprofits related to civic engagement and civil discourse, including nonpartisan voter outreach, voter registration and engaging campus peers in voter activity.
Early Childhood Education (new in 2025-26): Students will serve at a host site dedicated to early childhood education and/or development (for example, daycare or Head Start centers).
FAFSA Completion: Students will serve local communities, in visits to local high schools and through work on-campus, to support students in completing the FAFSA.
Food Insecurity/SNAP Basic Needs: Students will serve on or off campus supporting students and others with SNAP outreach as well as basic needs support (which could include shifts at a campus food pantry) or with other food insecurity-aligned work.
K-12 Education: Students will partner with local school districts for regular tutoring sessions with students in the community who need more academic support.
Peer Mental Health: Students will be trained to serve as a peer mental health educator, typically at a campus/community wellness or counseling center. Students will support peers either on or off campus in supporting strong mental health practices and overall wellness initiatives.
Student Success Coaching (new in 2025-26): Students will work with middle and high school students to combat common challenges external to academics like addressing chronic absenteeism, access to socio-emotional learning, mentoring, and mental health support.
Sustainability: Students will serve in campus roles and with local nonprofits and State agencies on sustainability work, such as recycling campaigns, tree planting, pollinator gardens, and sustainability outreach.
Veterans Affairs Outreach (new in 2025-26): Students will serve at host sites dedicated to supporting active military or veterans' affairs for individuals, families, or affiliated groups.
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