Evaluating the Growth and Impact of the 30% NY Initiative, 2023-24

Cheryl Bilinski, Local Food Systems Specialist, Farm to School Lead
Harvest New York

July 8, 2025
Evaluating the Growth and Impact of the 30% NY Initiative, 2023-24

Pathways to Progress: Evaluating the Growth and Impact of the 30% NY Initiative in 2023-24 is a product of Cornell University Farm to School (CU F2S). The report analyzes the procurement data of 73 School Food Authorities (SFAs) that qualified for the 30% New York State Initiative (NY30) based on NY food product (NYFP) purchases made during the 2023-24 school year (SY). The goals of this analysis are to:

  • Assess the growth of the NY30 program and measure progress in relation to its legislative intent.
  • Evaluate purchasing patterns across various food industry groups, comparing current data with purchases from the 2019-20 SY.
  • Identify current barriers to purchasing NYFPs across food industry groups and compare these with the barriers identified in 2019-20.
  • Examine strategies and resources that enhance the likelihood that SFAs will be successful in the NY30.
  • Identify areas where further research is needed to advance the NY30 program.

Written by Cheryl Bilinski, Local Foods Systems Specialist and Cornell Farm to Institution Program Director, CCE Harvest NY with funding provided by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.



Evaluating the Growth and Impact of the 30% NY Initiative, 2023-24 (pdf; 3234KB)

Purchases and Payments Made to SFAs, 2018-2024 (pdf; 207KB)


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Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop Series

May 2, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Long Island City, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at Smiling Hogshead Ranch for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them.

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May 9, 2026
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Port Jefferson Station, NY

Celebrate spring and get your garden growing with this hands-on workshop on maximizing your garden space! Join Cornell Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman as she shares practical strategies to maximize limited space. Participants will learn about the current state-wide soil testing program and crop planning techniques designed to increase yields and extend the growing season.

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Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.

The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.