New York State's Nourish New York Initiative has emerged as a vital lifeline for families and farmers grappling with the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This crucial program serves a dual purpose by addressing food insecurity while creating a market for local farmers.
To date, the program has received a total allocation of $147 million, enabling emergency food providers in New York to procure surplus agricultural products from farmers and dairy manufacturers, thereby ensuring essential nourishment for vulnerable communities throughout the state until the year's end.
The Nourish New York Initiative acts as a bridge, facilitating the connection between food-insecure individuals and the bounty of New York's agricultural landscape. Farmers, suppliers, and processors are actively encouraged to participate by sharing information about their available products, ranging from fresh produce, meat, eggs, seafood, to dairy items. By doing so, they enable food banks across the state to access and purchase locally-sourced food products, which can then be distributed to communities in need.
This collaborative effort between New York's farmers, emergency food providers, and the state government aims to combat food insecurity while supporting the state's agricultural sector. By purchasing surplus goods from local farmers, the program helps sustain their livelihoods and bolsters the state's economy.
For further information on the Nourish New York Initiative, individuals are encouraged to reach out via email to NourishNY@agriculture.ny.gov. Through this innovative and compassionate program, New York State is reaffirming its commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic and ensuring that no family goes hungry while concurrently supporting the resilience and vitality of local agriculture.
Photo Credit: Nourish New York
Categories: New York, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Poultry