NEW YORK — Gov. Hochul announced Wednesday that more money has become available for eligible organizations through the New York Food for New York Families (NYFNYF) program.
This will be round two of the program and $7.6 million is available to organizations that qualify.
The program, funded through a United States Department of Agriculture grant will provide a boost to New York farmers.
According to the news release, it will increase communities' access to local foods, and further strengthen New York’s food system.
“In my 2024 State of the State, I solidified my commitment to creating a more resilient future for New York’s agriculture and food sectors - continuing the New York Food for New York Families program doubles down on that goal,” Governor Hochul said. “Projects awarded through Round 1 of this transformative program are already helping to bring fresh, local food to families that need it most, while also supporting New York’s farming community. Round 2 of the program is now open for community organizations to apply and the projects that come to fruition will undoubtedly strengthen the system we are building to help our most vulnerable New Yorkers.”
In November 2023, Gov. Hochul announced over $40 million had been awarded to 102 food service organizations across the state through round one of the program.
According to the news release, applicants may apply for a minimum of $250,000 and a maximum of $2 million in funding.
Those who are awarded, their projects will need to support local and traditionally disadvantaged farmers by expanding economic opportunities and creating new marketing channels for them within the state while ensuring local food gets to New York families who need it most.
Examples of projects that may be funded during round 2 include:
- A not-for-profit may purchase more local food and expand delivery to new communities in food insecure areas,
- A local or municipal government may purchase more local food for facilities in food insecure communities,
- A food bank or pantry may purchase food boxes directly from a farm,
- A community center may initiate a backpack program to send food home with clients, or
- A not-for-profit child-care center serving food-insecure communities may purchase more local food for meals and snacks.
“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,” USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt said.
Applicants include not-for-profit organizations, agricultural cooperatives, tribal organizations, public educational institutions, and local or municipal governments.
Organizations that received an award through the first round of funding are not eligible to apply.
The governor's office said proposals must be received by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets by 3:00 p.m. February 15, 2024. Applicants should be aware that applications for this round are required to be submitted as a paper application as New York State is currently transitioning from Grants Gateway to the Statewide Financial System. To learn more or apply click here.
Also, an informational webinar will be held on January 18 at 3:00 p.m.
You can register for that event here.
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