Community Food Access Hub

 
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Food Futures Program

In the summer NECC’s Food Programs team hosts “Food Futures” a paid summer internship for teens. Over six weeks, youth 14-19 participate in all aspects of stocking and distributing through the Community Food Access Hub. Teens harvest and pack produce at partner farms, set up and staff the NECC food pantry, prepare meals in the summer meals kitchen, take care of community gardens, and attend workshops on everything from outdoor education and trail maintenance to soil science and water conservation.

Tri Corner Nutrition Security Coalition

The Community Food Access Hub also supports regional food systems work by facilitating the Tri Corner Nutrition Security Coalition. The coalition includes representation from agriculture, public health, human services, and food access organizations such as food pantries and gleaning initiatives. Members primarily serve S. Columbia County NY, NE Dutchess County, NY, and NW Litchfield County, CT. The Coalition formed in 2022 with a mission to improve the nutrition security of community members while supporting resilience and equity in our food system. While food security is about access to a certain quantity of food, nutrition security considers food quality and the relationship between food security, nutrition, and health. In 2022, the coalition supported NECC, Tri Corner FEED, and the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute, in conducting a USDA supported feasibility study modeling a fair food pricing and local food distribution initiative in the Tri Corner Region (the feasibility study report is available here). The coalition is currently working to build capacity at regional food pantries, improve access to affordable groceries and expand community participation in designing and implementing food access resources in our rural service area.

NECC works with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern, NY, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Tri Corner FEED, and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, and have strong partnerships with local farms to source fresh foods that meet cultural needs. Food is provided in settings that promote dignity, self-efficacy, and wraparound services. Significant distribution occurs via our on-site food pantry which offers weekly walk-in service using a client-choice model as well as home delivery for transportation limited neighbors. The hub also delivers produce, eggs, and milk to food pantry partners throughout the region in order to reduce the logistical and cold storage burden of distributing fresh food. In 2024 the hub distributed 159,891 lbs of fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, and dairy through six area food pantries. Farms serving the hub included Rock Steady Farm, Chaseholm Farm, Ayni Herb Farm, Tenmile Farm Foundation, Sky High Farm, Hudson Valley Fresh, Overlook Farms, and Ironwood Farm. 

Fresh Food Pantry

Over the years, NECC has collaborated with suppliers like Rock Steady Farm and Flowers in Millerton (produce), Full Circus Farm in Pine Plains (produce), Sparrowbush Farm (produce), Hudson Valley Fresh (milk), Black Sheep Hill Farm in Pine Plains (eggs) and Feather Ridge Farm (eggs).

Distribution is as follows from June until October. (Distribution in Pine Plains and Amenia continues through February.)

  • Pine Plains Food Locker at the Methodist Church Pine Plains ~ 2nd Saturday of each month at 10am. Eligible clients need to live in the Pine Plains School District.

  • Vines and Branches Amenia at the Church of the Immaculate Conception/St Anthony’s ~ 3rd Saturday of each month at 10am

  • Dutchess Community Action Partnership office in Dover Second Monday of the Month- 3414 NY-22, Dover Plains, NY 12522 (call ahead to inquire at (845) 877-9272.

In November and December there will be holiday distributions in partnership with the Millerton Food Pantry.

This program is made possible through the generosity of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and an anonymous $10,000 donation. To support the Fresh Food Pantry and enable us to help more families, give online now!

For more information please contact Jordan Schmidt, program director at 518-789-4259 ext. 124 or by email.