One in four New Yorkers are struggling to put food on their table. The New York State Department of Health released these figures in their January report on food insecurity. They are our family members, friends, coworkers and our neighbors. Food insecurity is impacting kids, retirees, single moms, and people working two, and even three, jobs. 

As food, gas prices, and healthcare costs continue to rise, so does the demand for emergency food programs. 

Simply put, New York State’s Nourish New York program is a lifeline for individuals and families. This critical program provides access to healthy, fresh food while expanding markets for local farmers to sell their products. 

The funding provided allows New York’s emergency food providers, like the Regional Food Bank, to purchase surplus products from New York farmers and dairy manufacturers and deliver it to the communities we serve. It’s a win-win. 

But the current state funding allocated for Nourish New York is not enough to meet the growing demand. Local food pantries are unable to keep their shelves stocked. Families are experiencing less access to fresh produce, meat, and dairy — the foundations of a nutritious diet. 

Food insecurity will continue to worsen if this funding isn’t addressed in this year’s state budget. The Regional Food Bank supports the New York State Senate and Assembly one-house budget resolutions that would allocate up to $75 million for the Nourish New York program in the FY 2024-25 state budget. This amount will help bring more New York agricultural products to people in need in communities across the state. 

More children will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Families of all races and religions will be able to get the food that fits their needs. More people will be fed. It will also provide much-needed support for local food producers and farmers. The program has already helped hundreds of family farms and local producers to remain in operation. The increased funding will ensure more farms have a place to sell their surplus products.

We urge Governor Kathy Hochul to approve additional funding for the Nourish New York program, along with other important hunger relief initiatives. In this, the Empire State, no New Yorker should be hungry. 

Tom Nardacci is the CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Contact the food bank at (845) 534-5344, or visit www.foodbankofhudsonvalley.org.