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Farm to Food Bank advocates urge Cuomo to support farm donation tax credit in 2017-18 state budget

Mar 23, 2017 Spotlight Newsroom Albany County, Business, Government, News, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Towns


Farm to Food Bank advocates urge Cuomo to support farm donation tax credit in 2017-18 state budget

(L-R) Chris Kelder, Anita Paley, Susan Zimet, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Assemblyman Francisco Moya, Kelly Young (NYFB Deputy Public Policy Director), Sen. Rich Funke, Sen. Pamela Helming, Sen. Patty Ritchie // Photo: Farm Bureau NY


A broad coalition of New York legislators, farmers, anti-hunger and environmental advocates asked Governor Cuomo today to “step up to the dinner plate” and include funding for the Farm to Food Bank bill (S.1606/A.6192) in the final New York State budget. The group held a joint press conference at the Capitol in Albany on Wednesday, March 22.

The bill, which has overwhelming bipartisan support among legislators, would provide a refundable tax credit to farmers of 25 percent of the wholesale value of donated food, up to $5,000 annually. The money is intended to offset the cost of transporting fresh food from farms to regional food banks and pantries across the state. It has twice been vetoed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who expressed support for the intent of the bill, but objected to the fact that it was passed outside of the budget process. This year, the bill has once again passed the Senate in a bipartisan fashion, and it was included in both the Senate and Assembly’s one-house budget resolutions.

NY Farm // Photo: NY Farm Bureau

“Our Farm to Food Bank program is a win-win for local farmers and at-risk families, yet the Governor has twice vetoed this common-sense solution to help feed our hungry,” said Senator Rich Funke, the bill’s Senate sponsor. “We do agree with the Governor that a proposal like this really belongs in the state budget, which is why we worked hard to include it in the Senate budget proposal passed last week. In the spirit of March Madness, the ball’s now in the Governor’s court, and we hope he joins us to support local farmers and hungry families this year.”

In 2016, New York farmers donated 13.2 million pounds of food, the equivalent of more than 10 million meals, to regional food banks in New York through Harvest for All, a Feeding America program. Only California donated more, with a total of 15.1 million pounds.

“Hard times should not mean making hard choices about the food you put on the family dinner table,” said Assemblymember Francisco P. Moya, sponsor of the Assembly bill. “Not in New York; not when New York’s farmers have an abundance of extra food they’re willing to donate. The costs of bringing these crops to our food banks and pantries have needlessly stood in the way of feeding families in need, and until we help farmers cover some of these costs, we’ll continue to allow good food to go to waste. This year I’ve managed to include the Farm to Food Bank bill in the Assembly budget bill, hopefully making it the first year that this legislation passes not only both chambers, but also gets signed into law.”

“Farmers have long demonstrated their generosity by collaborating with their regional food banks,” said Chris Kelder, owner of Kelder’s Farms in Kerhonkson, NY and a state director of New York Farm Bureau. “But this bill will support even greater donations and help New Yorkers who can least afford local food to feed their families a nutritious meal.”

The Food Pantries for the Capital District // Facebook photo

“Our member food banks have longstanding relationships with their local farmers and the donations we receive now are helping us feed [New Yorkers],” said Food Bank Association of New York State Executive Director Anita Paley. “There is no doubt in our minds, if the governor funds Farm to Food Bank, it will only encourage an increase in the same quality donations to benefit those who are unable to afford fresh, healthy food.”

“When we have so many hungry, including children, seniors, veterans, and the working poor, it is not right to allow fresh vegetables and fruits to go to waste in farm fields. Access to these nutritious foods is important to the health and well-being of those facing poverty, especially in light of possible federal cuts to Medicaid,” stated Susan Zimet, Executive Director of Hunger Action Network of NYS. “The Governor has stated over and over that no one ‘should go hungry in the state of New York.’ We hope he will take his words to heart and work with the Legislature to include the Farm to Food Bank bill in the final 2017-2018 State Budget.”

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  • Farm Bureau, Farm to Food Bank, farmers, farms, food banks, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, hunger, NYS Budget, NYS Legislature
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Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA is at Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA.

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Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

We are working every day to help create a greener Capital Region. Customers are encouraged to ride with CDTA on Earth Day, Sunday April 22, 2018 and upload a selfie using #CDTAGREEN to Facebook or Instagram. The most creative selfies will win a free month of rides! ... See MoreSee Less

We are working every day to help create a greener Capital Region. Customers are encouraged to ride with CDTA on Earth Day, Sunday April 22, 2018 and upload a selfie using #CDTAGREEN to Facebook or Instagram. The most creative selfies will win a free month of rides!
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It’s not too late to attend the Reading Jamboree! Check route and program information at: readingisfun.org/ ... See MoreSee Less

It’s not too late to attend the Reading Jamboree! Check route and program information at: http://readingisfun.org/Image attachmentImage attachment
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Join us Saturday, April 28th from 11 am – 2 pm for an open house of our newest location. Meet our staff, enjoy light refreshments, and tour our facility at 1019 New Loudon Rd. in Latham! We will be open to treat patients on May 1st. bit.ly/2HNFQ7Z ... See MoreSee Less

Join us Saturday, April 28th from 11 am – 2 pm for an open house of our newest location.  Meet our staff, enjoy light refreshments, and tour our facility at 1019 New Loudon Rd. in Latham! We will be open to treat patients on May 1st. http://bit.ly/2HNFQ7Z
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We are working every day to help create a greener Capital Region. Customers are encouraged to ride with CDTA on Earth Day, Sunday April 22, 2018 and upload a selfie using #CDTAGREEN to Facebook or Instagram. The most creative selfies will win a free month of rides! ... See MoreSee Less

We are working every day to help create a greener Capital Region. Customers are encouraged to ride with CDTA on Earth Day, Sunday April 22, 2018 and upload a selfie using #CDTAGREEN to Facebook or Instagram. The most creative selfies will win a free month of rides!
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Reading Jamboree starts at noon! Don’t miss your chance at free family fun!
Check route and program information at: readingisfun.org/
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Reading Jamboree starts at noon! Don’t miss your chance at free family fun!
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Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA is at Proctors.

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Today’s the day! We will be offering FREE transportation to the Reading Jamboree at Proctors in Schenectady. Check route and program information at: readingisfun.org/ ... See MoreSee Less

Today’s the day! We will be offering FREE transportation to the Reading Jamboree at Proctors in Schenectady. Check route and program information at: http://readingisfun.org/
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This Saturday, 4/21 we will be offering FREE transportation to the Reading Jamboree at Proctors in Schenectady. Check route and program information at: www.readingisfun.org/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Shout out to Kinderhook Bank for providing a much needed comfort meal! The mac&cheese and pulled pork sandwiches had our mouths watering! 🍖🥖
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Expert urgent care will be a bit closer to home. Starting May 1st, Albany Med EmUrgentCare will be open from 9am – 9pm every day at 1019 New Loudon Rd. in Latham, where the old Michael’s Banquet House used to be. No appointment necessary. bit.ly/2pLgkZa ... See MoreSee Less

Expert urgent care will be a bit closer to home. Starting May 1st, Albany Med EmUrgentCare will be open from 9am – 9pm every day at 1019 New Loudon Rd. in Latham, where the old Michael’s Banquet House used to be.  No appointment necessary. http://bit.ly/2pLgkZa
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