Feeding New York State helps keep food bank shelves filled

By Jennifer Patterson

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced that a record 32-million-pound milestone was reached in the state’s food donation and food scraps recycling program.

Feeding New York State – a nonprofit association of ten Feeding America member food banks statewide – is averaging two million pounds of food donations each month.

Implemented under the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, the program helps provide food to hungry New Yorkers, while reducing waste and climate-altering emissions caused by landfilling.

The release of methane from the breakdown of organic waste in landfills, as outlined in the draft Scoping Plan for New York State’s climate law (the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act), is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emission in the waster sector. Actions to reduce landfilling of these organics are critical to achieving New York’s climate goals.

The milestone “marks a significant achievement in the effort to combat food waste and food insecurity in New York,” said Dan Egan, executive director of Feeding New York State. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and passion that drives us toward a sustainable future and ensures that our most vulnerable neighbors have access to nutritious meals.”

As of August 2024, Feeding New York State reported receiving an average of two million pounds of food donations each month – a significant increase from 300,000 pounds per month the year before, and the 50-60,000 pounds per month when the program first launched in October 2022.

The DEC provided $4.8 million to Feeding New York State and its ten regional food banks through the Environmental Protection Fund beginning in October 2021. The funds were used to deploy staff to grocery stores, restaurants, colleges and other food industry facilities to increase participation in the program and encourage food donations. Money was also used to purchase several vehicles and equipment for the food banks to increase pickup capabilities at food pantries, meal centers and other partner agencies.

Additionally, the DEC provided $1.6 million directly to emergency food relief organizations, and $5.3 million to municipalities for wasted food reduction, food donation and food scraps recycling programs.

“New York State’s Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law is a win-win for our communities facing food insecurity and for our environment,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball. “This program is not only just one component of the state’s nation-leading climate agenda, but it also builds upon our longstanding work fighting hunger through programs like Nourish New York, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, the 30% NYS Initiative, and so many more.”

With deer hunting season already underway, the DEC is reminding New York hunters that they can continue to help with food insecurity by participating in venison donation efforts.

Every year, the DEC partners with the Venison Donation Coalition and Feeding New York State to help provide for those in need. Through a cooperative relationship involving the New York State Department of Health, nonprofit organizations and deer processors, hunters contribute nearly 40 tons of venison each year to families across the state.

For information about Feeding New York State, go to https://feedingnys.org.