Thanks to the generosity of donors, our Fresh and Healthy Food for All initiative recently awarded $47,000 to 10 organizations for projects that provide access to fresh and healthy food for Columbia County residents, especially households with limited resources.
Fresh and Healthy Food for All is designed to transform the food system over time for the benefit of all residents. We have engaged a wide-ranging group of partners in all aspects of the food economy to help create a more equitable food system in Columbia County.
This initiative is the result of two anonymous philanthropists who believe that “access to healthy food should be a right, not a privilege.” Inspired by this mission, a group of donors came together to support the below projects.
To learn more about Fresh and Healthy Food for All in Columbia County, email Senior Community Engagement Officer Emily Bronson.
Columbia County Sanctuary Movement: $5,000 to increase the amount of locally grown organic food the organization distributes to residents.
Field & Fork Network: $5,000 to support the Double Up Food Bucks program at the Rolling Grocer 19 store in Hudson, which matches SNAP purchases to increase the accessibility and affordability of fresh fruits and vegetables for residents with low incomes.
Friends of Clermont: $2,300 to grow, harvest and donate vegetables, fruits and herbs to members of the community surrounding the Clermont State Historic Site.
Long Table Harvest: $5,000 to support a gleaning program that delivers unused or unsaleable vegetables, fruit, meat and dairy directly to food pantries, community organizations and youth programs.
New Lebanon Farmers Market: $4,500 to place a community refrigerator in front of a New Lebanon café and stock it with free fruits, vegetables and dairy products for residents who need them.
Grow in Harmony Community Garden: $5,200 to expand the growing space of a community garden and provide more fruits and vegetables for local food pantries and community organizations.
ReEntry Columbia: $5,000 to host weekly Warm Night suppers, distribute farm-fresh items and provide educational nutrition programs for people who have been involved with the criminal justice system.
Rock Steady Farm: $5,000 to continue its partnership with the Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors Association to provide weekly deliveries of fresh and healthy food to families in need.
Sky High Farm: $5,000 to increase poultry production and donate chickens and eggs to food pantries and community organizations operating in Columbia and northeast Dutchess counties.
The Sylvia Center: $5,000 to pair classes with fresh food kits to help young people and their families understand the connection between food and health while empowering participants to learn new skills and cook a healthy, low-cost meal.
