Combating Food Insecurity in the Hudson Valley

PINE PLAINS – Assemblymember Didi Barrett (Dutchess/ Columbia Counties) joined with Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D- Newburgh), and Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D- Kingston) at Chaseholm Farm in Pine Plains to announce that they have secured $100,000 for Dutchess Outreach in Poughkeepsie. The local nonprofit organization helps combat food insecurity in the Hudson Valley.

“Access to fresh, nutritious food is essential for New Yorkers of every age and in every community across the state. As Dutchess County is blessed with world class soils and outstanding small and mid sized family farms, local food should be available and accessible to all Dutchess families, regardless of income,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “ I am pleased to join with my colleagues to support Dutchess Outreach and their important work of connecting local farms like Chaseholm to local families across the county. There is no excuse for food insecurity, most particularly in a state like New York with such rich agricultural resources.”

“This is a win-win situation for both Dutchess residents and local farms. Even before the pandemic, Dutchess Outreach did a tremendous job working to ensure that community members had access to good, healthy food. Whether it’s providing hot meals at the Lunch Box, pantry staples, or fresh, local produce from partners like Chaseholm Farms, Dutchess Outreach is a reliable resource for those who need it most,” said Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson. “That’s why I am proud to have joined with my Hudson Valley colleagues, Assemblymember Didi Barrett and Assemblymember Kevin Cahill, to present this special $100,000 grant to help Dutchess Outreach continue with its essential work by partnering with local farms.”

“Food insecurity has emerged as one of the greatest concerns resulting from the Covid pandemic presently affecting our state,” said Assemblymember Kevin Cahill. “I am happy to work together with my colleagues and community organizations towards addressing a solution to that concern.”

“We are so grateful to receive this support from our Dutchess County Assemblymembers. Dutchess Outreach prides itself on connecting community members to the healthiest and most local food possible,” said Dutchess Outreach Executive Director Renee Fillette. “With the support offered by Assemblymember Cahill, Barrett, and Jacobson, we will be able to more consistently ensure that local Hudson Valley farmed foods are getting into the hands of the people that need them the most. ”

“We are so grateful to receive this support from our Dutchess County Assemblymembers. Dutchess Outreach prides itself on connecting community members to the healthiest and most local food possible. Unfortunately, at times, our limited capacity prevents us from being able to do that. With the support offered by Assemblymember Cahill, Barrett, and Jacobson, we will be able to more consistently ensure that local Hudson Valley farmed foods are getting into the hands of the people that need them the most and do so in a way that supports our farmers,” said Dutchess Outreach Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives Sarah Salem. “This legislative grant demonstrates how critical food system investments benefit everyone, from farm to pantry, and into our community.”

Dutchess Outreach, founded in the 1970’s, works to reduce food insecurity by ensuring access to nutritious and sustainably grown food and providing emergency relief to community members. They offer a variety of community programs in the area, including the widely-lauded Lunch Box meal program that provides two hot meals to those in need.
The funding, secured by Assemblymembers Barrett, Jacobson and Cahill will fund the organization’s food pantry, Lunch Box meal program and other programs that increase access to nutritious food. The organization also works with Dutchess County to provide a five-day supply of free groceries for an entire household through its food pantry. In 2019, the pantry provided more than 87,000 meals to more than 9,000 people in the community, including more than 3,000 children.