Senator Gallivan Reminds Farmers of Tax Credit for Food Donations

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) reminds New York farmers that they may be eligible to receive a tax credit for qualifying food donations made to food banks and other emergency food programs.  The tax credit, which began January 1, 2018, is expected to save farmers a total of $10 million annually. 

"New York’s hard working farmers produce some of the best fruits, vegetables and food products in the country and many of them annually donate to local food banks and pantries,” Gallivan said.  “The new Farm to Food Bank Tax Credit will reward farmers for their generosity, help offset the cost of providing the food and allow them to invest in the future of their business.  The program also increases access to farm-fresh food for those who might otherwise go without.”

According to the New York Farm Bureau, farmers across the state donated more than nine million pounds of food in 2017, which helped provide more than seven million meals to New Yorkers in need.

The tax credit was enacted to compensate farmers for costs associated with harvesting, packaging, and distributing local products to eligible food pantries, food banks and other emergency food programs across the state.

The tax credit, which is supported by the New York State Council on Hunger and Food Policy, is a refundable credit equal to 25 percent of the fair market value of qualified donations up to $5,000. Eligible donations include fresh fruits and vegetables grown or produced in New York State and provided to emergency food programs that qualify for tax-exempt status. To claim the credit, the taxpayer must receive proof of the donation in the form of a receipt or written acknowledgment from the eligible food program.

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