New York Farm Bureau members rank 2nd in country for farmer food donations

Food donation efforts highlight importance of additional food security programs in NYS budget

Submitted by the New York Farm Bureau

New York Farm Bureau members donated 8 million pounds of food to regional foodbanks across the state last year through the “Harvest for All” program.

The number was announced this month at the annual American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. Once again, New York state had the second-highest donation total in the country, only behind Florida. NYFB was awarded a $250 grant from Nationwide for its effort, which will be donated to Feeding New York State.

In addition, NYFB’s YF&R program was recognized for its 250 hours of volunteer service and for collecting $25,000 in donations last year to the regional food banks across the state.

The “Harvest for All” donation program is a nationwide annual farm donation partnership linking Farm Bureau and Feeding America in each state. In New York, NYFB’s YF&R committee and Feeding New York State administer the statewide donation partnership. The food is then distributed among the 10 Feeding America food banks throughout the state.

The work highlights the importance of our regional food banks in helping reduce food insecurity in the state. NYFB and Feeding NYS continue to advocate for full funding of Nourish NY and the Healthy School Meals for All programs in the New York state budget. The vital programs, in part, provide food banks with resources to purchase healthy, local food, which benefit New Yorkers in need and the state’s farming community.

New York Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Chair Rich De Meyer said, “New York agriculture has a long commitment of giving back. We understand the importance of fresh, healthy food to our communities, and how it makes a difference. I would like to thank every farm that donated last year and to give thanks to Feeding New York State for its work to bridge the connection between our farm families and those in need. New York Farm Bureau will continue to work hard to build a stronger food system and increase food access for all New Yorkers.”

Executive Director Dan Egan said, "Feeding New York State thanks the farmers of New York for their incredible donations of top-quality, fresh food. Our 10 food banks feed millions of our neighbors, but we could do none of this work without the farmers who produce our food. My dad used to say, ‘Work is love made visible.’ Our work together is how we all love our neighbors. We look forward to the year ahead with hope for a good growing season, good health and good shared work."

In two decades of working with the “Harvest for All” program, farms in New York have given around 136 million pounds of food to support the regional food banks and the people they serve. That translates to more than 100 million meals.

For more specific information on local food donation projects, contact your regional food bank.