BILL NUMBER: S6810

SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the correction law, in relation to establishing a
program to purchase fresh produce from farms in the state for incarcer-
ated individuals

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The purpose of this bill is to establish a program to purchase fresh
produce from farms in the state for incarcerated individuals.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1.: Section 137 of the correction law is amended by adding a new
subdivision 3-a: the commissioner shall establish a program to purchase
fresh produce from farms located in the state and distribute such fresh
produce to correctional facilities in the state to be.  utilized in the
provision of wholesome and nutritious food to incarcerated individuals.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Incarcerated individuals do not always, if ever, get fresh produces to
eat. According to Impact Justice's Executive Summary Eating Behind Bars:
Ending the Hidden Punishment of Food in Prison almost 62.2% of incarcer-
ated individuals in their survey had rarely never had access to fresh
vegetables and 54.8% had rarely never had access to fresh fruits. * Many
meals served to incarcerated individuals are high in salt, sugar, and
refined carbohydrates and low in essential nutrients. * Which is harmful
to not only someone's physical health but also their mental health and
self-esteem. This bill will ensure that incarcerated individual have
access to fresh produces just as anyone else, to help promote better
mental and physical health with their rehabilitation while also support-
ing New York State farmers.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.