Nourish NY Program (S.4892-A)

March 2nd, 2021

RE: AN ACT Establishes the Nourish New York program

S.4892-A(Hinchey)

MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT

Upstate United, a non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, education and advocacy coalition made up of business and trade organizations from all parts of Upstate New York strongly supports this legislation.

Since the creation of the Nourish NY program, food banks have distributed over 17 million pounds of food, which has supported over 4,152 New York farms according to a report by the New York Farm Bureau. The Nourish NY program has been a massive success since its introduction during the Covid-19 pandemic and needs continued support. 

The Nourish NY program is a rare example of a win for all parties involved, providing food for an affordable price for those who need it and simultaneously supporting NY farms. The $25 million included in the Governor’s 2021-2022 Executive Budget needs to be supported by the legislature as well and included in the final budget, continuing this positive and successful program is a no-brainer.

The Nourish NY program is needed to get through the remaining time of the pandemic and it is important to fill these gaps in our food supply, provide New Yorkers with the food they need and continue to give farms a market for their products and keep the employees of these farms working and being able to make a living.

For these reasons, Upstate United supports this legislation.