New York Governor Hochul celebrates major milestone in veteran food security initiative

New York – In a significant stride toward supporting those who have served the nation, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a landmark achievement in the state’s food security efforts. The “Meals with Meaning: Veteran Feeding Veteran” program, a collaborative initiative involving state agencies and private sector partners, has successfully distributed two million meals to veterans, service members, and their families across New York.

Launched amid the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to heightened food insecurity among military communities, the program is a partnership between the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, and corporate partner HelloFresh, with packaging support from Pratt Industries.

“New York State is grounded in a history of service — one that extends beyond the debt of gratitude we profess to our men and women in uniform and into the actions we take to support them and their loved ones,” Governor Hochul said. “The Meals with Meaning program is living proof of our commitment to those who have served our country, delivering more than two million meals for those in need.”

The program not only addresses the immediate nutritional needs but also ensures the meals are healthy and balanced. HelloFresh, known for its meal kit delivery services, provides proteins, fresh produce, and other necessary ingredients. These are assembled into meal kits by veteran volunteers at The Campaign Against Hunger’s Brooklyn headquarters. Each meal kit is designed to create eight nutritious meals, easing the burden on military families facing food insecurity.

Today’s packing event saw veteran volunteers assembling 8,000 meal kits, demonstrating the program’s hands-on approach to tackling hunger within the veteran community. The distribution of these kits is handled through direct channels to ensure they reach the families most in need.

Reaffirming their commitment, HelloFresh has pledged to continue funding the Meals with Meaning program throughout 2025, ensuring ongoing support for New York’s veterans and military families. This announcement comes as a relief to many who rely on the program, which serves a demographic ranging from young veterans in their 20s to older individuals up to 90 years old.

Since its inception in 2020, Meals with Meaning has not only provided food but also a sense of security for veterans and their families during a turbulent period. The program continues to serve as a critical resource for those who have sacrificed much, honoring their service with every meal delivered.