By Blake Jackson
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $10 million investment through New York State’s Food Access Expansion Grant Program to help improve access to affordable, fresh food for residents in underserved communities.
This initiative, part of the 2024 Enacted Budget, aims to support the development of grocery stores, farm stands, food co-ops, mobile markets, and other retail options, while also creating new opportunities for New York farmers.
Nine organizations across the state will receive funding to carry out these projects. Administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the grant program encourages construction of new retail outlets, upgrades to existing facilities, and expansion of mobile market infrastructure.
“I am committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers, especially those in underserved areas, have access to affordable, healthy, local foods,” Governor Hochul said.
“I know that the projects awarded through our Food Access Expansion Grant Program will make a significant impact in this space and ensure that our families can put fresh, New York made foods on the table, while supporting our agricultural community at the same time.”
Among the recipients are the Adirondack North Country Association, which will build a processing kitchen and retail store in St. Lawrence County; the Broome County Council of Churches, which will open a new commercial kitchen and Mobile Market Bus; and Buffalo Go Green, which will renovate a facility on Buffalo’s East Side to support a mobile market and food retail space.
Other projects include a new co-op grocery store in Schenectady, an expansion of Foodlink’s Curbside Market in Monroe County, and the revitalization of a long-vacant grocery store in Syracuse.
“Connecting the dots between New Yorkers and our farmers, and addressing gaps in the food supply chain, are key priorities here at the Department. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s dedicated support, we’ve implemented a number of initiatives that aim to support our farmers, strengthen our food system, and get fresh, local foods to our families," said Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
"The Food Access Expansion Grant Program is one more piece of that puzzle and will make a tremendous impact on many of our underserved communities. I congratulate all the organizations receiving funding today and look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.”
A compilation of awarded projects is provided here.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: New York, Government & Policy