Media Advisory: Agriculture Commissioner Joins FeedMore WNY to Distribute New York Food Boxes to Buffalo Community Affected by the Recent Tragedy

WHAT:           The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will join FeedMore WNY to distribute 850 food boxes that include New York State food to the Buffalo community affected by the shooting tragedy on May 14. The food boxes were paid for by Department funding and created at the Headwater Food Hub in Rochester, New York. Each contains New York-made, shelf stable items, including pasta, pinto beans, pitas and more. In addition to the shelf stable boxes, the distribution will include New York-grown produce.

In response to the tragedy, the Department directed emergency funding from its FreshConnect program to address exacerbated food insecurity in the wake of the tragedy. New York State launched the FreshConnect Program in 2011 to create new farmers’ markets and support existing markets that provide outlets for fresh food in high need neighborhoods. FreshConnect helps expand access to fresh food in underserved communities, improve the diets of individuals in those communities, and foster economic development.

WHEN:          Wednesday, May 24, 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

                       Interview opportunities 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

WHERE:        1100 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208

WHO:             Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball

                       Catherine Shick, Public Relations Manager, FeedMore WNY