New York State has launched its summer EBT program, allocating over $200 million to assist more than 1.5 million low-income children with grocery costs during the summer. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the program's importance in combating child hunger, stating that no child should go hungry due to high living costs. Federal funding secured by Senator Charles Schumer and support from other state officials underscores the program's significance in ensuring continuous access to nutritious food for children when school is out. Additionally, the state announced $200 million in funding for downtown revitalization through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs, aiming to enhance economic development in urban and rural areas. These initiatives have collectively provided over $1 billion in funding to 124 communities since their inception. Applications for both programs are currently open, with deadlines set for October 18, 2024, for the revitalization funding and September 3 for the summer EBT program.