Poughkeepsie, NY – The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, through grants from the New World Foundation – Local Economies Project, the Ralph E. Ogden Foundation and other private donors, is pleased to announce that 20 regional nonprofits will receive a total of $270,000 in grants through its Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food initiative. The grant program invests in nonprofit organizations increasing access to local, farm fresh food for individuals who are considered food insecure.

“The Community Foundation is proud to continue strengthening the network of nonprofits providing critical services in our region. These grants are directly increasing access to, and awareness of nutritional foods to those most in need. We are proud to have vital partners making this year’s expanded program possible,” said Cristin McPeake, Director of Programs. “The Farm Fresh Food initiative has resulted in over two million pounds of food reaching tens of thousands of neighbors,” McPeake continued, “so we look forward to seeing how the varied and creative solutions of this year’s grantees will impact our region.”

 Building off three years of success in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties, the 2017 cohort has grown to include organizations in Orange county. Organizations involved in growing, collecting, distributing and serving farm fresh food and meals to those in need; including Community Supported Agriculture (CSA's), agricultural and nutritional educational organizations, food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other nonprofit organizations that serve, or plan to serve fresh local food to the food insecure and administer programs that connect them to local, farm fresh food were eligible for funding.

Grants are being awarded to Angel Food East, Common Ground Farm, Cornell Cooperative Extension – Orange County, Dutchess Outreach, Family of Woodstock, Hillside Food Outreach, Hudson River Housing, Hudson Valley Seed, Hyde Park Community Garden at St. James Episcopal Church, Kingston YMCA Farm Project, Long Table Harvest, Newburgh Community Land Bank, North East Community Center, People’s Place, Phillies Bridge Farm Project, Poughkeepsie Farm Project, RDC Loaves and Fishes, Rondout Valley Food Pantry, Second Chance Foods and St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
 
To learn more about the Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food initiative, please visit: Farm Fresh Food Initiative.