Food and Farms News: New York City

It is crucial for policymakers to pass legislation to divert food waste from landfills, as only 3% of waste produced in the state does not end up at either a landfill or waste-to-energy facility. The Food Recovery and Recycling Act (that, unfortunately, did not pass) would have discouraged the production, distribution, and preparation of excess food; recovered excess food to be redistributed to those in need; and provided funding for new recycling programs specifically concerning food scraps.

Adriana Espinoza, our NYC Program Director, recently submitted testimony to the New York City Council's Health and Finance Committees last week regarding our healthy foods budget priorities.  We called for a $10 million investment to expand grocery store access in underserved communities, a $15 million to increase healthy food SNAP incentive program, and a $3 million investment to increase healthy food options at corner stores.  

The New York City Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) proposed commercial organics regulations were heard at a public hearing last week,

Yesterday, the New York City Council heard Intro-1661, championed by Council Member Espinal, to create a comprehensive urban agriculture plan for New York City. We are excited by the possibilities and Adriana Espinoza represented NYLCV at the hearing, testifying in support of the bill.

The Mayor’s Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 Budget is in its preliminary stage. NYLCV is committed to advancing a

For the first time since 2010, New York began its fiscal year with a budget extender from the previous year