NY S06893

Establishes the New York State Council on Food Policy within the Executive Department with the purpose of developing comprehensive, coordinated food policies to ensure a plentiful, accessible, affordable, safe, and nutritious food supply comprised of locally produced foods whenever possible.

Council consists of commissioners or directors from 10 state agencies (Health, Agriculture and Markets, Temporary and Disability Assistance, Education, Aging, General Services, Economic Development, Environmental Conservation, Consumer Protection Board, and others as designated) plus 15 appointed members representing farmers, food industry, food assistance programs, anti-hunger advocates, nutritionists, consumers, and academic experts.

Governor designates either the Commissioner of Health, Agriculture and Markets, or Temporary and Disability Assistance as chair, with the other two serving as vice-chairs; council establishes at least three committees on hunger/food insecurity, nutrition/health, and agricultural/food industry issues.

Creates an advisory board of at least 15 members representing farmers, anti-hunger advocates, nutrition program managers, food retailers, processors, manufacturers, environmentalists, and labor organizations to provide recommendations to the council.

Council must prepare annual reports to the Governor and Legislature assessing food policy status and hunger/food insecurity prevalence, with recommendations on reducing hunger, improving nutrition, increasing demand for New York farm products, and improving program coordination; legislation expires December 31, 2016.