ALBANY – Legislation that directs surplus agricultural products to local food banks is one step closer to becoming law in New York.
Senator George Borrello, who partnered with a downstate lawmaker to create the act, says the bill, which would make the Nourish New York Program permanent, passed through the State Assembly Tuesday.
The farm-to-food bank program was drafted after he heard feedback from farmers and food banks alike last year.
The two groups equally faced challenges during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with farms having a tough time selling some products and food banks keeping their shelves stocked.
The Senator says over the past 11 months, the effort has grown into a vital new channel for moving fresh farm products to those in need.
The bill now heads to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s desk for signature.
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