ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Food Bank of the Southern Tier has received over $2 million in state funding to help the organization feed community members this holiday season.

The money comes from a New York statewide initiative to feed more people in need ahead of Thanksgiving. The Food Bank of the Southern Tier is getting $1,933,631 which it can distribute to local pantries, soup kitchens and shelter sites which they can use to buy food from the food bank. The organization is also getting $386,364 in additional Nourish NY funding. That program helps the food bank work with local farmers to acquire locally raised and grown food goods.

"As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we know some may need a little extra help to put food on the table — that's why these investments are so critical," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. "New Yorkers always help our neighbors when they're in a tough spot, and our efforts to provide food for those in need will deliver more than 400 million meals in the coming months."

The money is part of a $27.5 million investment in 11 organizations across the Empire State to help feed those in need. The funding is expected to provide nearly 400 million meals across New York.