**MEDIA ADVISORY** New York State Produced Food to be Distributed by Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York as part of Governor Cuomo’s Nourish NY Initiative

WHAT:           As part of Governor Cuomo’s Nourish New York initiative, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, in coordination with Schoharie County Farm Bureau, SUNY Cobleskill, Cobleskill Elks, Dairy Farmers of America and Cabot, is hosting a food distribution of New York agricultural products to help people in need of assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic. Through Nourish New York, the Regional Food Bank has purchased local yogurt, cheese, milk, meats and produce for the distribution that will reach approximately 400 families and support local farmers. Since the launch of the program, the Regional Food Bank has purchased more than 586,000 pounds of nutritious foods from farmers through the Nourish New York program, including 173,000 pounds of surplus dairy products and nearly 189,000 pounds of produce.

WHEN:           10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2020 Interview opportunities 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.                         

WHERE:        SUNY Cobleskill, Commuter Lot C, 106 Suffolk Cir, Cobleskill, NY 12043

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 to 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 Capital Region) 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.

The Regional Food Bank has seen an increase in demand of more than 55% from a year ago, distributing nearly 13 million pounds of food from March 16 to date.  To date, the Food Bank has worked with farms to purchase a total of 586,162 pounds of nutritious New York State foods through the Nourish New York Program, including 173,333 pounds of dairy, 96,012 pounds of eggs, 188,605 pounds of produce, 90,180 pounds of meat, and 37,632 pounds of grape juice.

WHO:              NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball

Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York Executive Director Mark Quandt

Sandie Prokop, New York Farm Bureau/Schoharie County Farm Bureau