Cuomo Decides to Veto Farm to Food Bank Tax Credit Bill Which Would Give Farmers Break

Last week, Cuomo actually vetoed the NY Farm to Food Bank Bill which would have given farmers the well deserved tax break for produce they donate to food banks (13 million pounds all together last year). Cuomo says he has a few reasons for why he chose, again, to veto this bill (he did so last year) and although he would like to see this proposal happen, he needs more ‘fiscally sound’ initiatives in place for the budget to work. I’m not sure what that means except that Cuomo and/or our system continues to underwhelm the importance of supporting people who grow our food! Farmers seem like a top notch candidate to earn tax breaks.

Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) Update

“The Child Nutrition Act was not reauthorized before the election and it is unlikely that it will pass during the lame duck session. Groups will continue to co-convene NYC4CNR and advocate for strong child nutrition policies and programs that will strengthen local communities and economies by ensuring children are free from hunger, well-nourished, and ready to learn.” – Tisch Food Center

If you believe in making fresh, whole and healthy food a daily part of every child’s development then visit online her to submit your comments here!

Partners of the NY Alliance for Child Nutrition include our friends at the New York Food Policy Center, Slow Food, NYC Food Coalition Against Hunger, Coalition for Healthy School Food, and Veggiecation!

If you’re looking for ways to get more involved in your child’s education and nutrition, or if you want to help spread the knowledge and share the tools for achieving success in child nutrition, then check out the Tisch Dish Food Center’s recent release of GREEN (Garden Resources, Education, and Environment Nexus) Tool – a practical, flexible, evidence-based tool designed to “help gardens grow deep roots in schools”. Some of us might already know that the benefits of school gardens are countless when discussing issues of public health, socioeconomics, and the environment.

Slow Food and Farm Raiser Offer Free Gift of Seeds and Much More!

Visit here to read more details and sign up to enter your community’s school or nonprofit into win the resources needed to get their school garden off to a good start!

“FarmRaiser is healthy fundraising company that connects local farms and food artisans to schools and organizations raising money for important causes. Students sell healthy, local products instead of the usual suspects (junk food, wrapping paper, pizza kits, etc.) and advocate for the importance of supporting local food systems. A great way to raise money for your cause, teach kids about the importance of healthy, local food, and strengthen your local economy.”