Providing Local Access to Essential Sustenance
NY PLATES is Governor Hochul’s statewide initiative to help food banks and emergency food assistance organizations strengthen their facilities and expand their ability to serve New Yorkers in need. The program supports improvements to food storage, transportation and distribution infrastructure, helping organizations provide safe, reliable food assistance to communities across New York State.
2026 NY PLATES Awards
In October 2026, Governor Hochul announced $8.3 million in NY PLATES capital grants for 59 organizations across all 10 regions of New York State. The awards will help food banks, emergency food assistance providers and other eligible organizations strengthen their operations and better serve New Yorkers in need.
The funding will support facility construction and renovations, infrastructure improvements and essential equipment purchases, including refrigeration and freezer systems and vehicles used to transport food.
View the full list of NY PLATES award recipients
Read Governor Hochul’s NY PLATES announcement
About the Program
NY PLATES provides capital funding to eligible food banks, emergency food assistance organizations and municipalities for projects that improve their ability to safely store, transport and distribute food.
The program was established through Governor Hochul's FY 2026-27 Enacted State Budget as part of a $10 million investment in New York's emergency food assistance infrastructure.
NY PLATES is administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) in partnership with the New York State Department of Health.
2026 Funding Round
Governor Hochul announced the first NY PLATES funding opportunity in June 2026. The $10 million competitive capital grant program supported eligible food assistance organizations and municipalities operating within New York's 10 regional food bank territories.
Read the original NY PLATES funding announcement