By Blake Jackson
Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled the allocation of $10 million under New York's Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program's inaugural round. This initiative, part of the Governor's 2023 State of the State address, is set to disburse $50 million over five years across ten regions in the state, focusing on enhancing meal preparation and distribution for K-12 students.
The North Country and Western New York regions have each secured $5 million to upgrade meal services. The objective is to promote on-site meal processing with fresh, local ingredients, bolstering connections with New York farmers.
Governor Hochul emphasized her commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to fresh, locally sourced, and nutritious meals. The program targets food insecurity by equipping schools to prepare meals from scratch, a crucial step in fostering food system resilience.
The first-round grants have been awarded to specific projects:
In Western New York, the Buffalo City School District will utilize $5 million to enhance a commissary serving 97 schools. This investment will establish vegetable processing facilities, ingredient rooms, and improved infrastructure for product delivery using locally sourced ingredients. It also supports community engagement through culinary initiatives.
In the North Country, Champlain Valley Educational Services (Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington BOCES) will receive $5 million to establish a central food hub and upgrade existing cafeteria facilities across 16 school districts. The aim is to streamline food processing, reduce staffing pressures, and enhance nutritional value with a local focus.
Administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program is driving farm-to-school connections and enabling schools to prepare fresh, nutritious meals. The program also promotes workforce development in culinary arts and food handling.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball emphasized the dual benefit of supporting farmers while ensuring children receive nutritious meals for optimal learning. The program highlights collaboration to strengthen New York's food system.
Education Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa highlighted the positive impact of connecting local farms with school nutrition, benefiting student performance and health.
Dr. Eric Bell from Champlain Valley Educational Services expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing its role in improving child nutrition, enhancing meal quality, and expanding culinary arts training.
Governor Hochul's initiatives extend beyond this program, encompassing increased thresholds for school food purchasing, farm-to-school programs, and the 30 Percent New York State Initiative to prioritize local food in schools.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy outlined in her 2024 State of the State to bolster New York's agricultural resilience and promote a more sustainable future for the industry.
Photo Credit: istock-elenathewise
Categories: New York, Government & Policy