Met Council Legislative Breakfast Draws 600 Leaders As Hochul Signs Buffer Zone Bill Protection Jewish Institutions

Held ahead of New York City’s Salute to Israel Parade, the breakfast brought together leaders from every level of government to recognize Met Council’s work serving 350,000 New Yorkers in need through its food pantry network, social services, senior programs, family violence services and anti-poverty initiatives.

The program featured remarks from Governor Kathy Hochul, who joined Met Council to sign the "Keeping New Yorkers Safe" legislation, establishing buffer zones around houses of worship; U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles “Chuck” Schumer; New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, among more than three dozen elected officials who took to the stage in support of Met Council’s mission and in celebration of New York’s Jewish community.

“When New Yorkers have nowhere else to turn, they turn to Met Council,” said Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield. “Across our food pantries, senior services, domestic violence programs and anti-poverty initiatives, we meet people at the hardest moments of their lives. The extraordinary turnout of elected officials and community leaders today reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to the support and dignity they deserve.”

This year’s honorees included New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, Secretary to the Governor Karen Persichilli Keogh, New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, New York State Assembly Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin, New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, New York City Council Deputy Leader Chris Banks, Majority Whip Kamillah Hanks, Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams and Majority Leader Shaun Abreu.

“Met Council embodies the values that make New York strong: caring for the vulnerable, supporting families in crisis and ensuring no one is left behind. Whether it is feeding the hungry, housing families or caring for Holocaust survivors, this organization has spent decades lifting up New Yorkers and strengthening communities across our state….I have had enough of seeing Jewish New Yorkers harassed and intimidated simply for who they are. It is not enough to condemn antisemitism. We have to take action to stop it,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.

“We are home to the second largest Jewish population outside of Israel and at a time when antisemitism is rising at alarming levels New York must continue to lead,” shared City Council Speaker Julie Menin. “Today we proudly celebrate Jewish culture, Jewish heritage and the Jewish state while standing united against hate in all its forms. Organizations like Met Council represent the very best of our city, providing critical food, social services and support to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers each year while strengthening communities across all five boroughs.”

“I was raised to believe deeply in Am Yisrael Chai and that is how I am raising my children. My Jewish identity is not something I put on and take off. It is who I am and who I will always be. I understand the fear many in our community have felt since October 7 which is why I take this responsibility so personally. Organizations like Met Council reflect the values that make our community strong and my commitment is simple: every Jewish New Yorker should be able to gather, worship and celebrate their heritage proudly knowing the NYPD is doing everything possible to keep them safe,” added NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Over the past year, Met Council reached record levels of service across its programs. The organization served 350,000 New Yorkers statewide, distributed 1,880,457 pounds of food each month through its pantry network and processed 239,366 digital pantry orders through Market by Met Council.

Met Council also helped New Yorkers access $20,700,000 in SNAP benefits through applications and recertifications and distributed $1,518,127 in cash assistance through its crisis intervention work.

Met Council’s senior services division assisted 2,576 Holocaust survivors with home deliveries and essential services, while its family violence and prevention programs supported 1,067 individuals. Through its Career Access Program, Met Council trained more than 503 participants through tech workshops, helping New Yorkers build skills and access workforce opportunities.