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.
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:
Barbara Nectow, (845) 471-1900 ext. 3106, bnectow@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 program actively works to ensure vulnerable students receive fresh, nutritious food. Each Friday, the program distributes groceries to students, providing essential food for their weekends. Furthermore, it engages families in broader food access initiatives by supplying double-up coupons and market cards for use at the Beacon Farmers’ Market.
Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
The Food for Dutchess & Orange County Feeding Program aims to provide nutritious food to low-income residents of Dutchess and Orange Counties through local food pantries and soup kitchens. The program achieves this by funding lines of credit at the Food Bank for these agencies. This funding covers handling fees for donated food and the cost of purchased food, allowing agencies to serve more people.
Food For Kids
Food For Kids supports an average of 250 students each week within the Washingtonville Central School District’s five buildings. The program offers sufficient provisions to cover two breakfasts, two lunches, beverages, and snacks for the weekend. For extended holiday weekends or school breaks, extra food is distributed. During the summer, the program supplied breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks for a six-week duration.
Newburgh Armory Unity Center
The Nourish Newburgh project will utilize the educational resources of NAUC to create comprehensive programming designed to overcome long-standing, systemic barriers to nutrition and healthy eating. This initiative will be integrated into an established food distribution program that feeds 500 local families monthly at NAUC, providing mutual benefit to clients of both programs.
North East Community Center
The Food Access Program is dedicated to distributing fresh food across Northeast Dutchess. It operates a food pantry that provides both weekly walk-in service and convenient home delivery. The program partners with farms to ensure the sourcing of fresh foods that align with cultural needs. Food distribution occurs in environments designed to uphold dignity, foster self-efficacy, and offer comprehensive wraparound services. Additionally, the program's hub actively supports coalition efforts aimed at enhancing the resilience and equity of the regional food system.
Pawling Resource Center
The Food Insecurity Program provides a food pantry accessible to individuals and families connected to Pawling/Holmes, NY, whether through residence, employment, schooling, or church attendance. The pantry offers clients access twice a month, with hours from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays (extended to 5 PM on Wednesdays), and from 10 AM to 12 PM on the second Saturday of each month. For homebound clients, food delivery is also available twice a month when requested.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project (PFP)
The City FRESH program actively works to remove obstacles to healthy food choices, simultaneously encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits for youth and families. This is accomplished through providing access to nutritious foods, with a special emphasis on fresh vegetables, and by delivering positive, engaging learning experiences at PFP, PCSD schools, and throughout the community.