One of Assemblyman Phil Palmesano’s (R,C,I-Corning) and Assemblyman Francisco Moya’s (D-Jackson Heights) priority bills this session passed both houses of the Legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature. The legislation, A.8075, provides tax credits to farmers who donate wholesome foods to food banks or emergency relief funds. The bipartisan bill has received strong support on both sides of the aisle.

The governor signaling his support during the month of September would be particularly timely. Palmesano and Moya noted that the governor’s signature could double as support for Hunger Action Month, a nationwide movement to support food banks and combat hunger.

“This bill is a common-sense, community-oriented initiative,” said Palmesano. “This legislation helps food banks access nutritious, fresh food and incentivizes farmers to provide it. It’s a win-win. It would be special if we could get the bill signed into law during September to raise awareness for Hunger Action Month.”

“For many families that can’t make ends meet, nutritious food is the first thing to go,” said Assemblyman Francisco Moya. “By putting fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables on the tables of New York’s needy families, we are helping to ensure that falling on bad times does not also mean falling into bad health. The bill will assist farm families that want to donate to food banks but are hamstrung by burdensome costs. This truly bipartisan measure is a win for both urban and rural families from both upstate and downstate. Signing the Farm to Food Bank Bill into law during Hunger Action Month would send a strong message that New York prioritizes the health of its needy families.”

“The Farm to Food Bank bill will provide a valuable and needed incentive that encourages local farmers to donate nutritious food to local food banks. Over 60 percent of the food distributed by the Food Bank of the Southern Tier is donated by manufacturers, retailers and growers, but, unfortunately, the supply is simply not keeping up with the staggering demand in our community. We applaud Assemblyman Palmesano and Assemblyman Moya for sponsoring this legislation that will help food banks across New York State realize our shared goal of building and sustaining hunger-free communities,” said Natasha Thompson, President and CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

“Farmers have a long history in New York State of contributing to their regional food banks and neighbors in need, donating more than 10 million pounds of food last year alone. The legislation that provides for a tax credit for farmers who donate healthy food will encourage even greater giving. This will help offset the costs for labor, packing and distribution that can limit a farm’s ability to get food to important community organizations. New York Farm Bureau thanks Assemblyman Moya and Assemblyman Palmesano for their efforts in supporting this legislation that will benefit farmers as well as those who may need a helping hand,” said Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau President.

Bipartisan cooperation is critical in New York State. In 2013, Palmesano and Moya organized an exchange among upstate Assembly Minority Conference members and downstate Assembly Majority Conference members. Moya and three other downstate legislators traveled upstate and toured Palmesano’s rural district. In turn, Palmesano and a group of his upstate colleagues traveled to New York City and gained valuable insight into the issues facing urban communities. The exchange has helped foster mutual understanding, bipartisanship, and legislation that is sensitive to the needs of New York’s various constituencies. Moya and Palmesano are working on another exchange for later this year.

“I thank Assemblyman Moya for his leadership on this legislation. He has demonstrated a willingness to listen, support and act on legislation that is helpful to upstate New York. This bill will help families and farmers alike. I look forward to continuing to work with Assemblyman Moya in the future on other important legislation that benefits all New Yorkers,” said Palmesano.

“When lawmakers from opposite sides of the aisle work together for the common good, the public stands to benefit. I thank Assemblyman Palmesano for his vision in championing this important measure and hope to continue to work with him on other forward-thinking legislation in the future,” said Moya.

“We look forward to continuing to work together in the future,” said Moya and Palmesano. “We do not think anyone should be putting their children to bed hungry, and we urge Governor Cuomo to sign this important legislation in honor of September’s Hunger Action Month.”