A record number of New Yorkers sought food assistance in April during the peak of the coronavirus crisis.

The city saw the largest one-month increase in participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in modern history.

SNAP participants increased by more than 68,000 in the month of April. A recent poll by Hunger Free America shows that four in ten city kids are experiencing hunger since the pandemic began, and while the city has made efforts to help, advocates are pushing for action on the federal level. They want the15 percent boost in SNAP funding which was passed in the House 'Heroes Act' to be passed by the Senate as well.

Advocates are also pushing an easier, more streamlined process for people to apply for benefits, which was included in legislation introduced in the Senate back in January.

They are urging the governor not to end the SNAP Outreach, which gives grants to nonprofits that help families enroll in the program.