$100K Boost: Dutchess County’s New Funding to Combat Hunger

Homelessness and food insecurity are very real, and likely happening in and around us here in the Hudson Valley more than we think, or care to admit. A recent grant opportunity will allow four groups in Dutchess County to continue their ongoing efforts in combating food insecurity and homelessness in the area.

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Sue Serino Announces Agency Partner Grant Funding

In a Press Release from the Office of the County Executive on October 6th, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced a massive amount of funding through the 2025 Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant, APG, to go towards four organizations that provide food assistance to those struggling to afford food or experiencing homelessness.

A newer initiative, the $100,000 APG: Infrastructure program funding was dedicated for food assistance programs thanks to a Dutchess County Legislature amendment to the 2025 County Budget. In order to qualify to receive the grant funding, programs must be Dutchess County based 501(c)(3) designation non-profit organizations with a primary mission to serve food to those experiencing homelessness or provide food to those in need.

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Specific Programs Receiving APG Funding in Dutchess County

$42,000 will go to Dutchess Outreach, Inc. in the City of Poughkeepsie for the purchase of commercial-grade kitchen equipment that will benefit their Lunch Box community meal program and food pantry.

$25,000 will go to Mental Health America of Dutchess County in Poughkeepsie for kitchen equipment upgrades for the veterans' food pantry.

$18,000 to the Pawling Resource Center to purchase a convertible refrigerator/freezer and storage for the food pantry.

Finally, $15,000 to North East Community Center Inc. in Millterton to help with food storage and organization in the food pantry.

Regarding the funding, County Executive Serino shared the following:

Every day, local groups are helping to make sure that our neighbors in need have enough to eat. This is a critical need in our community and Dutchess County is proud to offer these recipients the funding that helps them keep doing their great work and reach even more people who need assistance.