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A 4952

Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to establish a program to provide funding to emergency food providers to purchase prepared meals from New York restaurants and deliver them to families in need

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alicia Hyndman

New York would fund emergency food providers to buy prepared meals from NY restaurants and deliver them to families in need, overseen by the Dept of Agriculture and Markets.

REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · A 4952

Summary: Assembly Bill A 4952

Overview

A 4952 would direct the New York State Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to establish a program that provides funding to emergency food providers. The purpose is for these providers to purchase prepared meals from New York restaurants and deliver them to families in need. The bill was introduced on February 10, 2025 and is currently REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a statewide program to support emergency food providers (e.g., food banks, soup kitchens, pantries) by enabling them to buy ready-to-eat meals from New York-based restaurants.
  • Facilitate delivery of these prepared meals to households experiencing food insecurity, leveraging local restaurant capacity to broaden meal access.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

  • The commissioner of agriculture and markets would establish a funding program targeted at emergency food providers.
  • Funds would be used specifically to purchase prepared meals from New York restaurants.
  • The program would include mechanisms for delivering meals to families in need.
  • Administration and oversight would fall under the purview of the Department of Agriculture and Markets (the commissioner).

Affected Parties

  • Emergency food providers: would receive funding to procure meals.
  • New York restaurants: suppliers of prepared meals under the program.
  • Families and individuals in need: beneficiaries receiving delivered meals.
  • State government: responsible for implementing, administering, and overseeing the program.

Funding and Fiscal Considerations

  • The bill establishes funding for the program but, in the text available, does not specify dollar amounts or funding levels.
  • Details on appropriation, matching requirements, or reporting would be determined through subsequent amendments or budget processes.

Administrative Framework and Timeline

  • Administrative responsibility lies with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.
  • As an introduced bill, it is in the early stages of the legislative process (Referral to the Agriculture Committee).
  • No specific implementation timeline is provided; timelines would depend on appropriation and eventual passage.

Related Legislation

  • Companion and related bills from prior sessions include S 6493 (companion) and S 9110, A 5026. The existence of these related bills suggests a broader interest in linking emergency food relief with local restaurant support.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Benefits: May reduce food insecurity by expanding access to prepared meals; could stimulate the local restaurant economy; may streamline meal delivery to vulnerable populations.
  • Considerations: Administrative costs, ensuring equitable access, safeguarding program integrity, and aligning with existing food assistance programs and health regulations.
  • Next steps if enacted: Development of program guidelines, eligibility criteria for providers, contract procurement rules, reporting requirements, and funding disbursement schedules.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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