ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) — September is Hunger Action Month, and New York State is emphasizing the more than $500-million in funding that has gone to boost food access since 2020. Leaders at local food groups say that funding is just as important now than ever.

According to New York State, nineteen different programs have been developed since 2020 to address food insecurity and to support New York farmers. One program the state is highlighting is the Nourish New York Initiative . It's something the Food Bank of the Southern Tier ( FBST ) said is essential to them.

"They are planning their fields ahead of time, and knowing that we are going to continue those relationships really helps them in their farm planning," said Nancy Webster, the Interim Chief Development Officer at FBST. "It hel

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