New York revamps Nourish New York portal to link farmers, food banks

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has launched a redesigned ‘Nourish New York’ online portal aimed at making it easier for specialty crop farmers, food organizations and other eligible buyers to connect and source Empire State-grown products.

According to the state, the updated portal features an improved user interface, business profiles for producers, expanded product descriptions and enhanced search tools. Users can search for products by category, location, product type and certifications, including Kosher, Halal and New York State Grown & Certified products. Schools and other organizations purchasing New York food products can also use the platform.

“As we approach the fifth anniversary of the program being codified in state law, there’s no better way to celebrate its impact than by launching a new portal that will make it even easier to get fresh, delicious New York food on tables across the state,” said Richard A. Ball, agriculture commissioner, New York.

Originally created in 2020 as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nourish New York program provides funding to emergency food providers to purchase products directly from New York farmers and distribute them to residents experiencing food insecurity. The program was permanently codified into state law in 2021.

Since its launch, New York has committed nearly $340 million to the Nourish New York program. State officials said participating food banks have purchased more than 174 million pounds of New York-grown food, helping provide the equivalent of more than 145 million meals to families across the state.

The state said the portal enhancements are part of broader efforts to strengthen New York’s local food system, expand market opportunities for farmers and improve access to locally grown food for emergency food providers, schools and other organizations.