Relates to the implementation of a food security, empowerment and economic development program

BILL NUMBER:S2796

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to creating a food security, empowerment and economic development program

Purpose

Develop demonstration projects to increase the self sufficiency of low-income communities in providing for their food needs.

Summary of provisions

Adds a new Article 27-FF to the Public Health Law creating the Community Food Security, Empowerment and Economic Development (SEED) Program. This program will support projects designed to: increase the availability of culturally acceptable, affordable, nutritionally adequate food, from local sources whenever possible; develop linkages between local farmers and communities served by the projects; support job development and training; support entrepreneurship; and encourage community collaboration and decision making in the development of projects. Projects will be designed to become self-sustaining.

An advisory council, composed of twelve members with expertise in community food security, shall assist the commissioner in the development of the programs and review of grant applications. Six members shall be appointed by the Governor, two by the Speaker of the Assembly, two by the Temporary President of the Senate, one by the Minority Leader of the Senate and one by the Minority Leader of the Assembly.

JUSTIFICATION:; Many low-income neighborhoods in the State lack food stores with affordable, nutritious food. There is a need to develop food resources and businesses in these communities that provide higher quality, more accessible food. At the same time many New York farmers, struggling to remain profitable, are looking to expand their sales into nearby markets.

Residents in distressed communities often rely on government food assistance which is being cut back. Those who lack adequate income and use up government assistance turn to emergency food providers who have also experienced cutbacks in donations of food. As the Federal Government and New York State attempt to reduce dependency on government, there is a need to support families leaving public assistance for work.

One approach to increasing work opportunities and addressing the food needs in these communities is through the development of "community food security", which is defined as people successfully obtaining an acceptable, nutritious diet using local non-emergency sources. Community food security projects are designed to. meet the food needs of law-income people, increase the self-reliance of communities in providing far their own food needs, and promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm and nutrition issues. For example, these projects provide training in urban gardening and sales, assist entrepreneurs starting micro-enterprises, support farmers' markets in distressed neighborhoods and provide food-based educational opportunities for schools.

This bill supports the goals of self-reliance, community-based economic development, profitable local agriculture, improved nutrition and helping families and individuals help themselves. The creation of a Community Food Security Program for New York State will benefit struggling working families and their communities, provide new markets for family farmers, create food-based jobs and small businesses, and ensure healthier citizens and neighborhoods.

Legislative history

A.6835 1997/98; A.5956 1999/00; 2001/02 A.772; A.515 2003/04; A.2651 2005/06; A.2502 2007/08 5/2/11 Referred to Health 1/4/12 Referred to Health

Fiscal implications

Funded through the Department of Health Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program subject to the availability of funding.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.