Pilot Program Attempts to Reduce Food Insecurity

HUDSON VALLEY – In a pilot program to help reduce food insecurity in our area, Jewish Family Service of Orange County has partnered with Orange County Department of Health’s Healthy Orange Farmers’ Market and The Cathedral at the House of Refuge International Ministries to provide fresh produce from the city’s Farmers’ Market to our neighbors enrolled in the Friendly Visitor Program.We have been able to combine several local human services factions to better serve our neighbors as well as support local farmers.

The participating farms include Acevedo Family Farms and Healthway Farms, both located in the Hudson Valley. They have been instrumental in the success of this program. Both farms have worked with us and been very patient as our priority has been to provide a “personal touch” with this program. The goal is to make our neighbors feel as though they are “at the farmers’ market” without being there. COVID-19 has forced many of our active neighbors to reduce or avoid their regular social and shopping activities.

Each neighbor that has expressed interest in the program is contacted the day of the Farmers’ Market and given a list of current items. Selection is guided by the neighbors’ preference in size, quantity and variety. Carolyn Kalanyos (JFS) and Meg Oakes (Dept of Health) then provide the farmers with shopping lists to create a bag of produce that suits each neighbor’s taste and budget.

We have received a tremendously positive response from all involved and want to thank Market Manager Manny Gonzalez and community supporter Bishop Woody. Each is so ingrained in the success of this program and the community. A recent highlight, City of Newburgh Councilwoman Ramona Monteverde stopped by to join in amongst other local leaders that have come by to offer support.

If you are interested in volunteering or to learn more about this program, call JFS 845.341.1173.