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. 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: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Interview opportunities 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
WHERE: Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica Campus, 1101 Sherman Rd., Utica
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 grown in Central New York) to the populations 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: NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets Deputy Commissioner David Valesky
Food Bank of Central New York Interim Executive Director Karen Belcher
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Mailing Address:
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
10B Airline Drive
Albany, New York 12235
The Great New York State Fair
581 State Fair Boulevard
Syracuse, New York 13209