New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to allocate an additional 25-million dollars towards a program that has helped reduce food waste since the COVID pandemic started last spring. The food banks and farmers it would benefit say it’s very much needed. The ‘Nourish New York’ program helps farmers and food banks manage excess product that would go unused while restaurants and schools are closed or limited in their operation due to COVID. So far, it's proven to be a massive boost for communities across the state. From spring of last year through December 1st, the program resulted in $26.4 million in purchases equivalent to 17-million pounds of food. FeedMore Western New York Communications Director Catherine Schick said the additional aid allowed her agency, alone, to acquire 1.3 million pounds of food for distribution.