A 9556 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to establishing school-based food pantries in schools in the city school district of the city of New York

This bill establishes school-based food pantries in New York City schools to provide free, nutritious food to students and their families outside of regular meal times. It requires the school chancellor to prioritize high-need schools when implementing the program and mandates that these pantries operate on school premises during designated times without disrupting instructional activities. The legislation encourages partnerships with local food organizations for technical assistance and food donations while requiring strict guidelines to ensure student dignity, food safety, and volunteer-led operations. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting to state and city officials on the number of participating schools and the families served.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action May 20, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

A9556 → A9556A · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to broaden its scope from only 'high-need schools' to all schools in New York City, removing specific funding mechanisms tied to sales taxes and replacing them with a general requirement to establish pantries subject to available appropriations. The new version also adds detailed reporting requirements and expands community partnership agreements to ensure better coordination and food safety standards.

Scope change

The bill's applicability was expanded from a targeted group of 'high-need schools' to all schools within the New York City school district.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed the requirement to establish food pantries from only 'high-need schools' to 'schools throughout the city district'.

FISCAL

Removed specific language directing funding from a 'four percent state sales and use tax on hot and prepared supermarket foods' and replaced it with a general reference to 'availability of funds appropriated for this purpose'.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new requirement for the Chancellor to issue guidance on dignity, confidentiality, food safety, and operational procedures.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a new annual reporting requirement for the Chancellor to submit data on the number of schools, students served, and partnerships to state and city officials.

DEFINITION

Removed the specific definition of 'high-need school' and replaced it with a prioritization clause for the Chancellor to use various poverty and food insecurity indicators when deciding which schools to serve.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 9556A

lower

May 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO EDUCATION

lower

Jan 14, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors