N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law § 450: Declaration of legislative findings and intent

§ 450. Declaration of legislative findings and intent. While the

Nourish New York program was developed in response to disrupted food

supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has emerged as an

important innovation, significantly supporting the state's farms while

providing nourishing fresh foods to people experiencing food insecurity.

The COVID-19 crisis unveiled the weaknesses in our state's food supply

system and has caused serious economic hardships for the state's farms

and agribusinesses. But, in the ten months since its inception, Nourish

New York has already strengthened the state's food supply network and

expanded markets for New York farm products. The local food movement has

also gained significant momentum during the pandemic, with increasing

numbers of New Yorkers wanting to know where their food is sourced. This

presents the state with a major opportunity to support our local

economies and create greater equity in our food system by providing

greater access to local, healthy options in food insecure areas through

making the Nourish New York program permanent.