New York State Boosts Food Security Efforts With $27.5 Million Investment

Boosting Local Food Security Efforts

A significant investment of $27.5 million has been announced to support the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and the Nourish New York (Nourish NY) programs. These funds will be allocated to eleven key food security organizations across the state, including several in the Hudson Valley. Together, these organizations will help a network of over 2,600 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelter sites, providing more than 400 million emergency meals annually to those in need, especially during the busy holiday season.

Supporting New Yorkers and Local Farmers

This funding is part of a broader effort to combat hunger while supporting New York’s agricultural community. By working with the New York State Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture and Markets, these programs will not only deliver much-needed food to vulnerable populations but will also boost local farmers by sourcing fresh produce, dairy, and other products grown across New York State.

Local organizations such as Feeding Westchester and Food Bank of Central New York are playing a pivotal role in distributing this crucial aid, ensuring that communities in the Hudson Valley and other underserved areas have access to nutritious food.

The Impact of This Funding

With the holiday season approaching, this funding will help alleviate food insecurity for many families in the region. In addition to providing food, the initiative also strengthens the connection between food banks and New York’s farmers, creating a sustainable cycle of support that benefits both residents in need and the state’s agricultural industry.

A Call to Action

As demand for food assistance rises during the holidays, these programs are essential in meeting the needs of families across the Hudson Valley. Through programs like SNAP-Ed, Farm-to-School, and the FreshConnect Program, New Yorkers are gaining access to healthy, locally sourced food. For those looking to help or in need of assistance, local food banks and community organizations are critical resources during this time of increased need.

25 Non-Profits to Support in the Hudson Valley

While people benefit from them every single day, non-profit organizations remain one of the many overlooked key parts of communities. Within New York State alone, there are 116,834 non-profit organizations created to benefit the local communities, with over thousands of them being located within the Hudson Valley. With many focusing on multiple different needs of various communities, there are non-profits in the Hudson Valley that advocate for community, change, and growth – all for little to no direct profit.

Non-profits rely on the support of their local communities to be able to spread their messages and widen their audiences, allowing more people to benefit from their organizations. From creative arts and wildlife explorations to support and donation centers, there are multiple non-profits located in the Hudson Valley that cater towards the needs of their respective communities to help aid in their growth.

Source: New York’s $27.5 Million Investment to Fight Hunger and Boost Local Farmers

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