§ 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.