NY A00218

Establishes the New York State Council on Food Policy within the Executive Department to develop comprehensive, coordinated food policies ensuring plentiful, accessible, affordable, safe, and nutritious food for all state citizens.

Council membership includes commissioners from state agencies (Health, Agriculture and Markets, Education, Aging, Environmental Conservation, and others) plus 15 appointed members representing farmers, food industry, anti-hunger advocates, nutritionists, consumers, and academic experts.

Requires the council to establish at least three committees addressing hunger and food insecurity, nutrition and health, and agricultural and food industry issues, with meetings held at least twice annually.

Mandates the council prepare annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on food policy status, hunger prevalence, nutrition well-being, agriculture effectiveness, and recommendations for reducing food insecurity and improving food system coordination.

Establishes an advisory board of at least 15 members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders to provide advice and recommendations to the council.

Bill takes effect 180 days after enactment and expires December 31, 2017, with appointments required to be made before the effective date.