Access to healthy foods has been extended to an additional 750,000 working families, who are now eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - or SNAP- which helps fight hunger among working New Yorkers. As outlined in Governor Cuomo's State of the State Address, the state has adopted the recommendation of the Governor's Anti-Hunger Task Force to increase the amount working households can earn and still qualify for SNAP.

 

The SNAP expansion, effective July 1, is expected to bring as much as $688.5 million annually in additional federally-funded SNAP benefits to New York State, with an estimated annual economic impact of up to $1.27 billion. Learn more here. 

Additionally, Governor Cuomo signed a bill to allow schools to buy from associations of New York farmers and producers without first getting a waiver from the NYS Department of Education, as long as the purchase order is for less than $25,000. The goal of this new legislation is to help smaller farmers who do not produce enough to supply a school on their own but who can partner with other farmers and producers to meet demand.

 

Commissioner Ball said, "EIA is a serious threat to horses, but protecting these animals from getting sick is possible by following a few simple steps. I encourage all horse owners and equine event managers to carefully review the State's regulations for EIA testing and recommendations for the best practices to avoid the spread of this disease."

 

New York State experienced two outbreaks of EIA since 2015 and the number of confirmed EIA cases has increased nationally.  The disease, while not a threat to humans, can be fatal in horses.  It is caused by a virus found in the blood of infected horses. Some horses may not show symptoms of the disease but still serve as a source of a new infection for other horses, underlining the need for horse owners to be vigilant, to know the risks and how to prevent the disease. Learn more here.

For the second year, the New York Departments of Agriculture and Markets and Health are teaming up to educate shoppers about affordable health insurance coverage at 450 farmers' markets statewide. Certified enrollment assistors will be available at the select locations (view here ) to help shoppers apply and enroll in coverage. Medicaid, Child Health Plus and Essential Plans are open to enrollment all year for eligible New Yorkers. The Essential Plan, which is new in 2016, is available at a monthly cost of $20 or $0 depending on income for those who qualify. Others may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if they experience a qualifying life event.

 

Commissioner Ball commented on the partnership, "Access to healthy food options and reasonably priced health insurance are essential for all New Yorkers. This campaign helps address both of those critical needs, and we are proud to partner with NY State of Health once again on this important effort. Visitors to the participating markets are encouraged to get their health insurance questions answered, and also to enjoy some of the incredible, locally-produced fruits and vegetables offered by New York's farmers."

Now Open: new Taste NY store in the Mohawk Valley 

Last week marked the grand opening of the newest Taste NY store at the Lock E-13 Living History Rest Area in the Mohawk Valley. Located along one of the most scenic sections of the Erie Canal and Mohawk River on the New York State Thruway (I-90) westbound at milepost 187 between exit 28 (Fultonville) and exit 29 (Canajoharie), the Lock E-13 Living History Rest Area encourages New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore the Upstate waterway through Governor Cuomo's Path Through History initiative. The rest area includes exhibits reflecting the importance of transportation infrastructure to the growth of Upstate New York. See the nearly thirty featured New York producers here.

To encourage donations to the Great American Milk Drive in June, Commissioner Ball joined American Dairy Association North East, Price Chopper/Market 32, and New York dairy farmers in their mission to bring much needed milk to children and families in need.  All donations made through this partnership benefited Feeding America Food Banks, including the 23-county area serviced by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY.

 

Milk is one of the top five most requested foods by food bank clients, but because it is perishable, it is rarely donated. The Great American Milk Drive, launched by the Feeding America Organization in 2014, was created to help deliver in-demand, fresh milk to families who don't have regular access to it. So far, more than 700,000 gallons - that's over 12 million servings - of milk have been delivered to families across the country. Learn more here.

Mark Your Calendar 

The Department is looking forward to participating in several events over the next several weeks, including: