I applaud Governor Cuomo on his decision to grow the FreshConnect program, an initiative that will expand access to fresh and nutritious fruit and vegetables in New York’s most underserved communities. This inspired program will improve public health, encourage local farming, create new jobs for youth and empower Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) sources.

Last April I called attention to how bureaucratic red tape was obstructing the work of community-based farmers markets that grow and sell fresh foods in neighborhoods considered to be ‘food deserts.’ I’m thrilled that Governor Cuomo has taken action to address these issues and put government in the business of bringing fresh foods into communities of need.