(WNY News Now) Governor Kathy Hochul announces the launch of a new, cutting-edge, 50,000-square-foot facility to combat hunger throughout the Hudson Valley, marking a significant step toward enhancing food security.
The new 50,000-square-foot food distribution facility for the Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley was officially opened in the town of Montgomery, Orange County, by Governor Kathy Hochul. The organization will be able to better fulfill the increasing demand for emergency food aid throughout the Hudson Valley thanks to the state-of-the-art facility, which will increase its capacity for food delivery and storage.
“We’re investing in facilities and organizations that provide critical resources for anyone facing that devastating reality,” Governor Hochul stated, adding that no New Yorker should ever go hungry.The Hudson Valley’s families and communities will have more dependable access to wholesome, fresh food thanks to this brand-new facility, which will also help us meet the region’s long-term food security needs.
More than 400 local food pantries, shelters, and other emergency food providers will be supported by the new distribution center’s enhanced sorting and distribution capabilities as well as the safe storage of perishable foods including fresh vegetables, dairy, and meat.
A $10.7 million funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Community Development Block Grant CARES program, which tackles pandemic-related food insecurity and health issues, was used to fund the distribution center. The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council recommended a $3.7 million capital grant for Empire State Development to fund this project. The Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley has contributed $1.9 million, and private gifts totaling $9 million have also been made.
The establishment of the facility coincides with the ongoing impact of food insecurity on Hudson Valley communities, where the pandemic has made emergency food aid even more necessary. The most needy populations in the area will have faster and more effective access to food because to the distribution center’s enhanced cold storage capacity, bigger sorting areas, and better food distribution systems.
The new plant is a multigenerational investment in the infrastructure for food security in the area. The distribution facility will guarantee that the Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley can continue to meet the region’s expanding need for food assistance by expanding storage capacity, streamlining food sorting and distribution procedures, and boosting distribution efficiency.
According to RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the State’s dedication to enhancing food security for all New Yorkers is demonstrated by the opening of this brand-new, cutting-edge warehouse. With our over $11 million gift, the Food Bank will be able to better serve the community, provide access to wholesome meals across the Hudson Valley, and help approximately 180,000 people who are food insecure.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said,The new Hudson Valley distribution center reflects our continued support for strategic community development investments, which help to create jobs and generate regional economic growth. In addition to creating new options for the area’s agriculture economy, this initiative will fortify the network that offers vital aid to individuals in need.
Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young said,The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council is proud to support the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. Our communities’ food insecurity will be lessened thanks to this expansion project, which tackles a significant problem in our area. Being a part of this important and important effort makes us happy.
Tom Nardaccisaid, CEO of the Hudson Valley Regional Food Bank,For the Hudson Valley Regional Food Bank and the communities we serve, today marks a significant turning point. Unfortunately, food insecurity is still a major concern, and the demand hasn’t decreased since the pandemic. 55 million pounds of food will be distributed by the Food Bank this year, which is our second-highest distribution year ever, after 2020. The new distribution center will also allow us to source more local food, and create new partnerships with Hudson Valley farmers, producers and retailers. This project simply would not be possible without the support of Governor Hochul and we are extremely grateful for her leadership in the fight against hunger in New York.
State Senator JamesSkoufissaid,I am thrilled to see the Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley s new home open at last. For decades the Food Bank has been supporting residents and families in our region when they fall on hard times. Need knows no season, but there couldn t be a better moment for this community safety net to re-open its doors. I ve been proud to support this organization for many years and this project specifically. Thank you to the whole Food Bank team and everyone involved.
AssemblymemberBrian Maher said,The greater Montgomery community is so proud to be the home of the Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley. During my time as town of Montgomery Supervisor our team made it a top priority to ensure our town became the new home of a state-of-the-art distribution facility. Playing a leadership role in identifying and facilitating the largest New York State grant the town of Montgomery had ever received is something we will always view as a generational collaboration. We know that this new building will help serve more families as countless residents continue to seek assistance from food pantries every day.