What: In support of New York’s ban on single-use plastic bags, that goes into effect yesterday, March 1, State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and DEC Region 8 Director Paul D’Amato will deliver reusable bags to Foodlink, one of the nine member food banks of Feeding New York State.

The reusable BYOBagNY (Bring Your Own Bag New York) delivery supports DEC’s ongoing campaign to encourage New Yorkers to use reusable bags wherever and whenever they shop. DEC is currently distributing hundreds of thousands of reusable bags across the state, with a focus on low- and moderate-income New Yorkers with the help of partner state agencies, Feeding New York State, regional food bank organizations, and other stakeholders.

DEC will continue to focus its outreach and education efforts to ensure a smooth transition for consumers and affected retailers. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation to ban the sale of single-use plastic bags in New York State on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

When:           Today, March 2, 2020 at 1:15 p.m.

Where:          Foodlink Headquarters, 1999 Mt. Read Blvd. Rochester

Who:             Basil Seggos, DEC Commissioner;

                     Paul D’Amato, Regional Director, Region 8 DEC; and

                     Julia Tedesco, President and CEO, Foodlink

WHY: New Yorkers use an estimated 23 billion plastic bags annually - each for about 12 minutes - and approximately 85 percent of this staggering total ends up in landfills, recycling machines, waterways, and streets. For more information about the plastic bag ban, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/50034.html, email plasticbags@dec.ny.gov, or call (518) 402-8706.

For more than 40 years, Foodlink, Inc., has leveraged the power of food to end hunger and build healthier communities in Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. Through good stewardship, innovation and collaboration, Foodlink mobilizes a diverse network of community partners to address both the symptoms and root causes of food insecurity. Visit https://foodlinkny.org/ for more information on the agency and its programs.