Forest Hills – Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi announced today that the FY27 New York State Budget includes $850,000 in funding for GrowNYC’s Food Access & Agriculture program after he led a coalition of Assembly Members in advocating for the funding during this year’s state budget negotiations. The funding will support efforts to combat food insecurity across New York City and strengthen market opportunities for New York State farmers.

The funds followed a legislative sign-on letter circulated by Hevesi, which led to the program’s inclusion among the Assembly’s budget priorities, and ultimately in the final state budget enacted this past week. In the letter, legislators highlighted GrowNYC’s food access initiatives and cited rising food insecurity, instability in federal nutrition programs, and the growing need for investments in New York’s regional food infrastructure.

“GrowNYC is honored to be included in the FY27 Enacted Budget, and we are deeply grateful to Assembly Member Hevesi, Speaker Heastie and Assembly Agriculture Chair Lupardo for their leadership and advocacy,” said Marcel Van Ooyen, President of GrowNYC. “This funding is a critical investment in New York’s food and agriculture system, helping connect food-insecure communities with fresh, healthy food while creating stable market opportunities for farmers across the state. Last year alone, GrowNYC distributed more than 3 million pounds of locally grown produce to New York City communities in need and generated more than $3.6 million in revenue for over 40 New York State farmers. With this support, we can continue building a stronger, more equitable and more resilient food system for all New Yorkers.”

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have partners like GrowNYC across our community, and I am unbelievably grateful to all of the advocate and legislative partners who lent their voice in this fight,” said Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi. “Grow has a unique presence in my district. They helped us safely distribute thousands of pieces of protective equipment to our neighbors through COVID, at no cost. They’ve also fostered partnership across our communities, and operate locations in Forest Hills and Ridgewood that are neighborhood staples. I am really glad we were able to show our support through the budget this year.”