6000 More Free Farm Fresh Senior Meals offered through CCE Putnam County's Bountiful Meals Program

August 1, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Stefanie Hubert
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County
845-278-6738 x223sh379@cornell.edu

6000 More Free Farm Fresh Senior Meals offered through CCE Putnam County's Bountiful Meals Program

Putnam County, NY – August 1, 2023 - Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County (CCEPC) is delighted to announce the receipt of the Farm Fresh Food Grant from The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. This $45,000 grant will support CCEPC's Bountiful Meals program, which aims to address food insecurity among seniors in Putnam County.

Putnam County, despite its affluence, faces a significant challenge of food insecurity, with around one in three residents struggling to cover basic living expenses, including food. (ALICE Report, United Way WP 2020).

With the Farm Fresh Food Grant, CCEPC plans to expand the Bountiful Meals program to meet the increasing demand for food assistance in Putnam County. Over the course of three years, the grant funding will provide 6,000 free meals at senior centers across Putnam County, working in conjunction with Office for Senior Resources.

The program aims to build a more resilient local food system by supporting local farmers like Fishkill Farms and SPACE on Ryder Farm for produce directed into the Bountiful Meals. Local non-profit Second Chance Foods cooks up delicious meals with the produce, supplemented by donated provisions. Additionally, the grant helps CCEPC purchase necessary equipment to distribute the meals effectively.

Through the Bountiful Meals program, CCEPC not only provides nutritious meals to seniors but also offers educational resources on health and nutrition. Seniors have access to transportation assistance and SNAP-ED videos, empowering them to make informed choices about their health. Bountiful Meals began as a pilot program funded by the Field Hall Foundation in 2022 and has grown exponentially over the past year.

"We are grateful to The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley for their generous support through the Farm Fresh Food Grant," said Stefanie Hubert, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County. "With this funding, we can continue to serve the residents of Putnam County and build a more resilient local food system. We are committed to addressing food insecurity and promoting the health and well-being of our community."

For information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County’s community programs and events go to cceputnamcounty.org/. Stay connected to CCEPC on Facebook at Facebook.com/cceputnam, and Instagram atInstagram.com/cceputnam and Twitter/@CCEPUTNAM

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact our office at 845-278-6738 if you have any special needs.

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