New York School Food Authorities that spend at least 30% of their food budget for lunch on qualifying NY food products are eligible to receive and additional $0.19 in reimbursement for each lunch served the following school year. The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets administers the 30% initiative per Chapter 56 of the NY State Laws of 2018.
30% New York State Initiative The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets funds this initiative and processes all applications. This site provides all the necessary information and resources pertaining to this initiative, including the links below that have been added here for your convenience. Please read through all information thoroughly and reach out to our Farm to School Coordinator or NY Ag & Markets directly 30percent@agriculture.ny.gov with any questions or clarification needs.
30% Initiative Food Service Director Handbook Refer to this handbook to know what documentation is necessary for your application. Also see best practices, strategies, and an audit checklist to help keep application paperwork organized.
30% Initiative School Year Application This is the application that will be filled out and submitted at the end of the school year for the 30% Initiative.
30% Initiative Planning Calculator This is a great tool that can help to determine the financial impacts of menu/purchase changes.
30% Application Process Guidance This webinar will walk you through how to fill out the application and use the planning calculator.
CCE offices statewide have collected resources and tools for Farm to School on this page. There are many resources available including the ones linked below.
NY Food Product Database Use this database to find foods that have already been vetted as NY products. You can sort products to easily see what your current distributors should have available for ordering.
NY School Food Cookbook Where you can find school ready recipes that feature NY foods to use on your school’s menu.
Farm to School Webinars | CALS Informative and instructive webinars on several Farm to School topics, including a webinar on the 30% application and our Regional Procurement Specialists, and another where Food Service Directors who have qualified for the 30% share their strategies.
Mariah Goodwin
Farm to School Special Projects Educator
mog27@cornell.edu
607-547-2536 x228
Last updated October 24, 2025