New York officials, anti-hunger advocates and community organizations are forming a panel to find ways of addressing child poverty in the state with the goal of cutting in half over the next decade, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office on Friday announced. 

The advisory council, formed as part of a law approved by Hochul last year, will meet for the first time on Oct. 13. 

"Alleviating poverty for all New Yorkers - especially our youngest - is a key priority for my administration," Hochul said. "This talented and diverse group of policy experts, service providers, advocates, and community members will examine both proven strategies and new approaches to further this goal and address the broad and systemic inequities that perpetuate cycles of poverty in communities throughout New York State."   

Leading the council are Deputy Secretary for Human Services and Mental Jihoon Kim and State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel Tietz. 

"This administration is committed to taking concrete steps to alleviate the economic, mental and emotional stress experienced by far too many New Yorkers, especially our children," Tietz said. "The council will focus on building consensus toward broad-based policy solutions that can help disadvantaged communities, including communities of color, escape poverty and achieve economic security."  

The panel is required to develop recommendations for reducing child poverty through data analyses, a timeline for annual goals and how to develop the best metrics in judging the state's progress on the issue.