ALBANY – State Senator Jen Metzger (D- Rosendale) has introduced a bill that would double funding for the state’s farm to food bank program, Nourish NY, using $25 million of unallocated funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 or other future federal stimulus funding.
The Nourish NY Initiative, created in response to the growing problem of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides funding to food banks throughout the state to purchase New York-produced fruits, vegetables, and dairy products for distribution to local food pantries and community groups serving food insecure households..
Metzger, who is chairwoman of the Senate’s Agriculture Committee, has been working with New York farms and the Department of Agriculture and Markets during the COVID-19 crisis to make sure that farm-fresh products in the region can be purchased by food banks to serve food-insecure communities in need.
The initial $25 million for the program came from supplemental funding provided in the 2020-2021 state budget in anticipation of emergency needs during this difficult time. Metzger’s bill would enable the program to be expanded as the need continues to grow, allocating an additional $25 million of federal stimulus monies to the program.
“As a result of the disruptions and financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, New Yorkers are experiencing real food insecurity while many farmers and processors throughout the state are struggling with significant market uncertainty,” she said. “Increasing funding for this state program is a great way to support our farms while also addressing the growing problem of food insecurity during this difficult time.”
“Our food banks have been able to feed more New Yorkers while strengthening our relationships with New York’s farmers. Expanding this program will provide the help farmers and our hungry neighbors so badly need,” said Dan Egan, executive director of Feeding New York State.
Nick Cipollone, owner and grower at Barthel’s Farm Market said the bill and the additional funding it would provide “really addresses two important needs during this challenging time. Bridge funding for farms that are struggling as many of their normal sales outlets were shut down and increased access to local food for many of our most underserved communities.”
