August 15, 2023
Speaker Heastie Announces $500,000 in funding for Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York on Annual Statewide Tour
Pictured in the first photo with Speaker Heastie at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York are Assemblymember Phil Steck and Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York CEO Tom Nardacci.
Pictured in the second photo with Speaker Heastie at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York are Assemblymember Phil Steck, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York CEO Tom Nardacci and members of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York Executive Team.
Speaker Carl Heastie continued his annual statewide tour today, stopping in Latham with Assemblymember Phil Steck for a tour of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and announced $500,000 in capital funding. This funding will be used for general facility improvements, including $250K for the refrigerated dock, $100,000 for a training kitchen and Cafeteria, $100,000 for ADA-compliant restrooms and $50,000 for exterior signage and branding.
“I’m honored to be invited today to see all the work the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is doing to make sure no one goes hungry on their watch,” said Speaker Heastie. “For an increasing number of New Yorkers, food banks are essential to feeding their families. The Assembly Majority is committed to supporting the groups ensuring these families always have somewhere to go.”
“I’m incredibly proud to show Speaker Heastie the work my community is doing to ensure our neighbors’ most basic right is always met,” said Assemblymember Steck. “Food banks are essential to many of our community members, yet they are facing an increase in demand coupled with high operating costs. The volunteers and employees at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York continue to step up to meet this demand, and I’m committed to working with my Assembly Majority colleagues to support their work.”
Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Steck began their tour of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York with a look at the Warehouse & Distribution Center to see how the facility maintains its distribution to other facilities around the community. They then met with the executive board to discuss the programs targeting children and seniors, while also stopping to speak with volunteers.
Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Steck also met with Director of Food Industry Partnerships Joanne Dwyer to discuss the Nourish New York program. The Nourish New York program was created during the COVID-19 pandemic through legislation passed by the Assembly Majority to connect food pantries to New York farmers, allowing our farmers stable income and families access to healthy produce. The State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023-24 Budget included $50 million for Nourish New York.