Dear Editor,
During the recent government shutdown that halted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP), the media reminded us that one in eight Americans relies on supplemental benefits to put food on their table each day. In the City of Newburgh, that statistic is closer to one in three. This reality makes the Newburgh Urban Farm and Food Initiative (NUFFI) more essential than ever to address food insecurity in our community.
Ten years ago, NUFFI turned a rundown, unused city property into a vibrant, productive urban farm that nourishes our city and our spirit. At the Downing Park Urban Farm, about 4,500 pounds of produce grown using organic practices is harvested annually and donated to local food pantries and feeding programs. NUFFI also teaches residents how to grow their own produce in urban spaces.
Most importantly, NUFFI is addressing long-term food security issues through the Newburgh Food Project, so that every person in our City can one day rely upon their own resources to feed themselves. Until that day, NUFFI remains steadfast in our commitment to growing and distributing wholesome, fresh food to all our neighbors. Learn about NUFFI at newburghurbanfarmandfood.org.
Rev. J. Edward Lewis, Sr.
Chair
NUFFI Board of Directors
