(WNY News Now) – New York – The New York Food for New York Families (NYFNYF) program enters its second round, offering $7.6 million in funding to eligible organizations. Supported by a USDA grant, the initiative aims to bolster New York’s food system, empower local farmers, and enhance community access to regional produce.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announces $7.6 million in available funds for Round 2 of the New York Food for New York Families (NYFNYF) program. Governor Hochul’s initiative, funded by the USDA, has already allocated $40 million to 102 food service organizations in Round 1, benefitting communities statewide.
Eligible entities, including not-for-profits, agricultural cooperatives, tribal organizations, and local governments, can apply for grants ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. Projects supporting local farmers, expanding economic opportunities, and delivering local food to vulnerable families are encouraged.
Projects eligible for funding encompass diverse initiatives, such as not-for-profits extending food delivery to underserved areas, local governments purchasing local food for community facilities, and food banks acquiring produce directly from farms.
USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt said, “New York Food for New York Families, funded through USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, is a great example of what state, tribal, and territorial governments can do to strengthen local markets for local food producers, and empower them to support those facing food insecurity within their own communities. We have seen the incredible feedback about the first round of awards with people from Queens to Erie County thankful for receiving quality, extremely fresh dairy products, elderly residents appreciating the needed nutritional boost, and young families grateful to receive healthy foods for their children that may have otherwise been unaffordable. We are truly excited to see what the funding from the second round will accomplish.”
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Our New York Food For New York Families program helps local food organizations expand their impact on the farmers they support and provide more high quality, nutritious food to the families they help feed. I’m proud of what this program is accomplishing so far, with over $40 million already awarded to 102 projects across the state already. I look forward to seeing what the Round 2 projects will have in store, and encourage all eligible entities to apply.”
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “With this major federal USDA investment, New York is working to ensure access to fresh, healthy, locally-sourced food at the start of the new year, which will benefit both local farmers and families in need. I helped deliver $40 million for the New York Food for New York Families program benefitting over 100 NY organizations last November and I am proud to deliver over $7 million more here today, which is a win for families, local farmers, and our state-wide food supply chain. This USDA investment empowers Governor Hochul to feed hundreds of thousands and I am committed to fighting for more support like this to keep kids, parents, families, and every person across New York fed.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “The New York Food for New York Families program helps ensure that New Yorkers have access to healthy, nutritious local food. This $7.6 million in funding will further strengthen New York State’s food supply system, ensuring local food is available to New York families in need, all while supporting local farmers. I am thankful for USDA’s commitment to increasing food security in New York and I will continue to fight to ensure that all New York families have healthy food on their tables.”
To guide applicants, an informational webinar is scheduled for January 18 at 3:00 pm, with proposals due by February 15, 2024, at 3:00 pm local time. Notably, applications for this round must be submitted in paper format due to New York’s transition from Grants Gateway to the Statewide Financial System (SFS). For more information and registration, visit grantsmanagement.ny.gov/transition-SFS and agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0325-new-york-food-new-york-families-round-2.
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