Audit reveals Nourish New York program falling short on supporting local farmers

Nourish New York - it's a program designed to help feed those in need and New York farmers at the same time.

An audit just released by the NYS Comptroller says the program is falling short when it comes to the second of those goals.

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Since launching three years ago, it's received $147 million in state funding, which means you paid for it.

Here are the basics from the audit on how it works: Regional food banks contract with the Department of Health to receive the funds and send them to places like local food banks and pantries.

Then, the New York State Agriculture and Markets supplies verification that all agricultural purchases made with the funds meet the program requirements - namely that the food comes from New York farms.

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Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says in many cases, the documentation isn't there to verify the source of the farm products. DiNapoli also says documentation is lacking to show what expenses Nourish NY is covering.

Both DOH and Ag & Markets say they are committed to making sure that all requirements of the Nourish NY program are met.