MEDIA ADVISORY: New York State Produced Food to be Distributed by the Food Bank of the Southern Tier as Part of Governor Cuomo’s Nourish NY Initiative

WHAT:          As part of Governor Cuomo’s Nourish New York initiative, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier is hosting a food distribution of New York agricultural products to help people in need of food assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic. Through Nourish New York, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier has purchased New York State apples, potatoes, and dairy products, and will be able to supply enough food for approximately 500 families.

Governor Cuomo’s Nourish New York initiative provides $25 million for food banks across the state to procure products produced in New York.

A complete list of food distribution events hosted by the Food Bank of the Southern Tier can be found at https://www.foodbankst.org/covid-19-updates/.

WHEN:          10:00 am – 12:00 pm Friday, May 15, 2020.
Interview opportunities 9:30 am – 10:00 am.                         

WHERE:       Windsor High School, 1191 Route 79, Windsor, NY 13865

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 to the populations who need them through the state’s food banks. The program also provides economic relief for the state’s food producers and farmers who have lost markets as a result of school and restaurant closures.

The Food Bank of the Southern Tier saw a 300 percent increase in food distribution during the last two weeks of March 2020 as compared to March 2019.

WHO:              NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball

Food Bank of the Southern Tier President & CEO Natasha Thompson