September is Hunger Action Month and Assemblyman Matt Slater (R-Yorktown) is partnering with Feeding Westchester to bring awareness and a call to action to combat food insecurity. This annual campaign was started by Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the nation with a network of 200 food banks which includes Feeding Westchester and almost 300 community partners and meal programs.

Slater, a fierce advocate for food security, joined a bipartisan coalition calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to fund Universal School meals. Back in March, members of the Assembly and Senate included $260 million in funding as part of their respective one-house budget and was partially funded in the final budget. Food pantries are seeing an uptick in their numbers across the Hudson Valley.

“It is imperative that we meet the needs of our communities and our residence and that starts with making sure everyone has access to food. The cost of living is through the roof and record-high inflation is gripping society. I am proud to be partnering with Feeding Westchester as they work tirelessly to help get nourishing food to hardworking families.”

Prior to his seat in the New York State Assembly, Slater sat as the Town Supervisor for the Town of Yorktown and created the Food Security Task Force composed of leaders and dedicated community members who run food pantries which feed over 400 families collectively. Slater has also introduced legislation that promotes community-based gardens, similar to the Garden of Hope in Yorktown, that in turn donate food to local pantries to combat food insecurity and hunger.

The call to action by Feeding Westchester can be found on their website.