Nourishing our community, together
The United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is dedicated to increasing access to healthy food for families in our community experiencing food insecurity.
Think of a child starting their day without a bowl of cereal and milk. For many of our neighbors, this isn't a minor inconvenience- it's a daily struggle. Parents are forced to choose between groceries and other bills, and essential staples are often the first to go. We look to provide not just food but a sense of relief and stability, ensuring that children get the nourishment they need to thrive and that parents can rest easier.
Let's create a community where everyone has enough to eat.
We aim to achieve this mission through our guiding principles:
We empower food coalitions to strengthen their infrastructure and expand food access points, thereby increasing the availability of nutritious food within our community.
We work to reduce food insecurity by partnering with local distribution centers to distribute healthy food, provide emergency relief, and advocate for long-term solutions to connect families with nutritious meals.
We advocate for long-term solutions to food insecurity by leading and participating in advocacy coalitions, urging policy changes that strengthen food assistance programs, and amplifying the voices of communities to drive systemic change.
Our Initiatives
Dutchess Food Council
The Dutchess County Food Council (DCFC) is a collaborative committee focused on creating a sustainable and equitable food system for the community. The council works with local farmers, food producers, community organizations, and government agencies to address issues such as food security, environmental sustainability, and access to healthy food. Their efforts include promoting local agriculture, reducing food waste, and advocating for policies that benefit both the community and the environment. By fostering partnerships and sharing resources, the DCFC aims to strengthen the region's food system and improve the well-being of its residents. This program is partially funded by the County of Dutchess.
Feeding Orange County
We are a network of local pantries, faith groups, and community organizations working together to ensure that no one in Orange County goes hungry. By joining forces we provide food, resources, and hope to families in need.
The need has never been greater- please consider helping your community by:
- Donating food, hygiene items, diapers, and dollars
- Volunteering to help sort, pack, and distribute food
- Organizing a food drive in your school, place of worship, worksite, or neighborhood
- Spreading the word to family, friends, and coworkers
For more information contact:
Deidre Sepp, 845-471-1900 ext. 3123, dsepp@uwdor.org
Community Partners
We are proud to provide funding to the following organizations to help support our mission of providing nourishment to those facing food insecurity
Common Ground Farm (CGF)
The Beacon Schools Food Access ensures that valuable students have access to fresh, nutritious food. They distribute groceries to students every Friday for the duration of the school year so that they have food over the weekends. We also encourage families to participate in our market-based food access programs by providing coupons to use at the Beacon Farmers' Market.
Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
The Food for Dutchess & Orange County Feeding Program ensure that low-income residents of Dutchess and Orange Counties have access to nutritious food when they turn to their local pantries and soup kitchens for assistance. Grant funds will establish lines of credit at the Food Bank, allowing partner agencies to obtain the food they need at no cost.
Food For Kids
Food For Kids supports an average of 273 on a weekly basis from all 5 buildings of the WCSD. They provide enough food to cover two breakfasts, two lunches, drinks, and snacks for the weekend. They provide additional food when there are longer holiday weekends or extended school breaks. In summer 2025 they "bulk bagged" items that provided enough food to cover breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks for 4 weeks.
North East Community Center
NECC's Community Food Access Hub distributes fresh food throughout NE Dutchess. Their food pantry offers weekly walk-in service and home delivery. They work with farms to resource fresh foods that meet cultural needs. Food is provided in settings that promote dignity, self-efficacy and wraparound services. The hub also supports coalition work to improve resilience and equity in our food system.
Pawling Resource Center (PRC)
The PRC and Food Insecurity Program provides nutritious food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Pawling and surrounding communities. Serving low-income and ALICE households, the program offers fresh, shelf-stable, and frozen foods through regualr pantry distributions, prioritizing dignity, choice, and equitable access.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project (PFP)
The City FRESH removes barriers to healthy food choices and encourages healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices among youth, families and older adults by providing access to healthy foods and positive, engaging learning experiences at PFP, Poughkeepsie City School District schools, and at city housing and community sites.
Warwick Valley Community Center
Life Skills for Teens helps develop teens' internal assets. It provides protective factors through prevention, educational, and cultural diversity activities, and helps with the transition from elementary to MS/HS. Members participate in community service and leadership skill-building activities. Evidence-based environmental strategies and evidence-based/informed programs are implemented.