NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON FOOD POLICY Governor David A. Paterson Commissioner Patrick Hooker        c  nnecting the d  ts      

❍ Agriculture is a critically important industry in NYS 36,600 family farms 7.1 million acres of land, or 23% of land mass $4.2 billion economic activity  Hunger is a serious problem facing many families 11 th highest rate of poverty in U.S. (2007) with 2.76 million of 19.3 m New Yorkers living in poverty  Access to affordable, fresh and nutritious food is a serious problem, especially affecting children 63% of children in New York are eligible for free or reduced priced school meal  There are significant economic, health and environmental benefits to the State by expanding agricultural production Why Create a State Council on Food Policy ?

NYS CFP Established and Mission Gubernatorial EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 13, May 2007 “Ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to affordable, safe, fresh and nutritious food is a top priority that the Council on Food Policy will be addressing head-on” ___________________ MISSION Recommend policies to the Governor that preserve and enhance agricultural food production in New York; and ensure that all New Yorkers have adequate access to safe, affordable, fresh and nutritious foods, especially by children, low-income individuals, the senior population, and other at risk or under-represented citizens. Governor’s Press Release:

 21 members appointed by Governor and leaders of Legislation  NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets serves as Chair  Heads from seven New York State Agencies Agriculture & Markets, Health, Education, Aging, Temporary & Disability Assistance, Consumer Protection Board, and Economic Development  Expertise contributed by 14 public and non-profit representatives involved in the food system Dean of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell, farm organizations, the food industry (including organic), food assistance organizations, anti-hunger advocates, nutritionists, school food administrator, and consumer representatives Assistant to the Council on Food Policy: NYS CFP has been awarded with a constant flow of graduate student interns from the Albany School of Public Health Members of the NYS CFP

Identified at Fall Meeting Maximize participation in food and nutrition assistance programs; 2. Strengthen the connection between local food products and consumers; 3. Support efficient and profitable agricultural food production and food retail infrastructure; and 4.Increase consumer awareness and knowledge about healthy eating and improve access to safe and nutritious foods * Health concerns (diet-related diseases) strongly influence KIA * Collaboration is crucial for successful implementation We need to go on a Listening Tour! Commissioner Hooker (10/15/08) NYS CFP Key Issue Areas

Syracuse Feb 14 Rochester May 5 Long Island May 30 Albany Feb 2 Binghamton April 11 Harlem May 29 New York City April 3 NYS CFP Listening Tour Seven stops Feb – May, 2008 Open microphone 300 Public Testify

Listening Tour 2008 Commissioner Hooker and NYS CFP members listen to public testimony (4/03/08) NYC community members come out to present and listen to testimony at the Council on Food Policy Listening Session (4/03/08)        c  nnecting the d  ts      

Meets twice a year (spring/fall), gathers public input, organizes focus groups, develops and recommends to the Governor:  Food policy for the State that recognizes the benefits of ensuring the availability of an adequate supply of fresh, affordable, nutritious food;  State policies for expanding agricultural production and food retail infrastructure;  A plan for implementation, including benchmarks and criteria for measuring progress; and  Comments on Federal and State regulations, legislation and budget in the area of food policy Each December NYS CFP delivers a written report to the Governor 2007, 2008, 2009 Reports available here: NYS CFP Activities

NYS CFP Highlights Providing comments on significant Federal legislation and regulations July 2009 NYS CFP issued ‘Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act Priorities’ to Governor Paterson and New York delegates. June 2010 NYS CFP delivered recommendations on the ‘Geographic Preference Option for Procurement of Unprocessed Agricultural Products in Child Nutrition Programs’ to USDA, Food and Nutrition Services. NYS CFP believes that the recommendations, if enacted will contribute to a healthier and more prosperous future for our children, our farmers, our environment, and our communities.

NYS CFP Highlights Increasing Access to fresh, nutritious, affordable food Healthy Food/Healthy Community Initiative: NYS CFP has provided guidance and support to both Governor Paterson’s Healthy Food/Healthy Communities Initiative and to Senator Gillibrand’s companion proposal. EBT Pilot: Through inter-agency agreements and NYS CFP members funding was secured to run this pilot project. This project allocates 40 wireless EBT (electric benefit transfer) terminals to three different non-traditional produce retailers: farm stands, mobile vegetable vending vehicles and green carts (mobile sidewalk street carts; a series of trainings were held for farmers and vendors.

WIC Vegetable & Fruit Check at Farmers’ Markets Collaborative effort by NYS CFP members: New York State Departments of Health, Agriculture & Markets and the Farmers Market Federation of NY

QUESTIONS? THANK YOU! New York State Council on Food Policy Contact us: (518)        c  nnectng the d  ts      