Advisory: New York State Produced Food to Be Distributed in Watertown by Food Bank of Central NY as Part of Governor Cuomo’s Nourish NY Initiative

WHAT:          Food Bank of Central New York is hosting a drive-thru food distribution of New York State agricultural products as part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Nourish New York initiative in cooperation with the college and its faculty and staff. Through Nourish New York, Food Bank of Central New York has purchased New York dairy products, eggs, fruit and vegetables, which will be provided to approximately 1,000 households in need of food assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Food Bank of Central New York has purchased more than 217,000 pounds of surplus dairy products from New York farmers since the launch of Nourish New York. Governor Cuomo’s Nourish New York initiative provides $25 million for food banks across the state to procure products produced in New York.

WHEN:         11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2020. Interview opportunities 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.                         

WHERE:       Jefferson County Community College, 1220 Coffeen Street, Watertown

WHY:            Amid an unprecedented surge in demand for food assistance across New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced that the state is providing $25 million for food banks and other emergency food providers. The Nourish New York initiative aims to quickly reroute New York’s surplus agricultural products (including products produced in the North Country) to the people who need them through the state’s food banks. Because the state’s food banks are buying agricultural products from New York farmers and processors, the Nourish New York program also provides much-needed support for the food producers and farmers who have lost markets as a result of school and restaurant closures.

Food Bank of Central New York has seen up to 50% more households having to utilize the emergency food network throughout its 11-county service area. During the month of March, the Food Bank distributed 1.8 million pounds of food; in April that number rose to 2 million pounds, and in May that number was more than 1.9 million pounds. Distributions during the month of April provided nutritious food for more than 38,000 households – a 33% increase over the month of March which recorded a 20% increase.

WHO:            New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball

Food Bank of Central New York Interim Executive Director Karen Belcher

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher

JCC Public Safety & Human Services instructor Mallory Jackson JCC Director of Access & Opportunity Programs Gabby Thompson