New York Consolidated Laws, Agriculture and Markets Law - AGM § 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.