New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced this month that the “Meals with Meaning: Veteran Feeding Veteran” program, launched in response to food insecurity heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, has successfully distributed 2 million meals to New York’s veterans, service members and military families.
The program, led by HelloFresh, is a collaboration with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, New York City Department of Veterans’ Services and Pratt Industries.
HelloFresh is the world’s leading meal-kit company, providing customers with fresh ingredients to cook healthy meals at home.
“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,” 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.”
First established in 2020, the Meals with Meaning initiative addressed food insecurity affecting veterans and military families at twice the rate of the public.
The program provided a vital lifeline to veterans who struggled with food access during the pandemic. The program is still continuing to provide that needed help to ensure the state’s veterans do not go hungry.
“We are honored to support veterans and military families—those who have selflessly served our country — but we know that there is still more to do in combating food insecurity and ensuring fresh food is accessible to everyone,” said HelloFresh Senior Vice President of Procurement Jacob Krempel. “A special thank you to our partners with New York State, NYC Division of Veterans’ Services, The Campaign Against Hunger and Black Veterans in continuing to help make a meaningful impact in the community through our Meals with Meaning program.”
Earlier this month, veteran volunteers also packed 8,000 Meals with Meaning meal kits at The Campaign Against Hunger’s Brooklyn headquarters for veterans, service members and military families who are facing food insecurity.
“Reaching the two million meal milestone is a phenomenal achievement—and a shining example of what’s possible when compassion meets collaboration,” said The Campaign Against Hunger Founder and CEO Melony Samuels. “At The Campaign Against Hunger, we are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic partnership with New York, NYC Department of Veterans Services, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, HelloFresh and our community of veteran partners. Together, we’re not just feeding families — we’re honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans by ensuring they have access to the fresh, healthy food they deserve. This is what meaningful impact looks like, and we’re just getting started!”
Each kit contains proteins, fresh produce and ingredients supplied by HelloFresh to make eight nutritious meals at home. With the support of New York City’s Department of Veteran Services, the kits can be distributed directly to veterans and their families.
The HelloFresh-led program serves veterans and military families ranging from 20 to 90 years old. This public-private partnership has remained a critical resource for New York’s veteran community, ensuring access to nutritious meals while honoring their service and sacrifice. Due to its positive impact, HelloFresh recently committed to funding the New York program again throughout 2025, ensuring continued support for those who have served.
“Two million meals provided means two million lives touched and transformed through this wonderful initiative. The incredible success of the Meals with Meaning program is a testament to the power of community and partnership, providing life-changing resources to those who have served selflessly, ensuring that they feel seen, supported and valued, “ said New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen. “Together with HelloFresh and all program partners, we are making a tangible difference in combating food insecurity and honoring the dedication of our veterans, service members and military families.”