By Blake Jackson
At Tenmile Farm Foundation in Dover Plains, New York, Senator Michelle Hinchey announced initiatives to improve access to fresh, nutritious food for residents experiencing food insecurity while creating economic opportunities for local farms and restaurants.
The announcement included representatives from Tenmile Farm Foundation, Dutchess Outreach, and Rethink Food, who highlighted efforts to strengthen regional food systems and connect communities with locally sourced products.
Hinchey allocated $25,000 to Dutchess Outreach to expand its farm-to-food pantry partnerships across Northern Dutchess County.
The funding will help the organization establish relationships with additional farms, maintain existing partnerships, and purchase locally grown food for community organizations that face financial, staffing, and infrastructure limitations.
The initiative aims to provide farmers with additional income while helping residents in need obtain fresh food through a more accessible and sustainable distribution network.
Hinchey also renewed her support for the proposed Chef-to-Community Tax Credit, legislation that would offer New York restaurants up to $10,000 in annual tax credits for donating surplus prepared meals to food pantries and nonprofit organizations.
The proposal seeks to reduce food waste, increase access to freshly prepared meals, and provide financial incentives for participating restaurants.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to fresh, healthy food, but rising grocery costs are making that harder for people across our communities. We’re working on creative solutions that tackle food insecurity and support our local economy. I’m proud to provide funding so Dutchess Outreach can purchase food from Northern Dutchess farms and get it to residents who need it most," Senator Michelle Hinchey said.
"We’re also bringing back our push for the Chef-to-Community Tax Credit to give our neighborhood restaurants an economic boost for donating surplus meals from their kitchens to help fight food insecurity. Thank you to Dutchess Outreach, Tenmile Farm, and Rethink Food for leading the way with us on these critical efforts,” Hinchey added.
Together, the initiatives aim to strengthen connections among agricultural producers, restaurants, food assistance organizations, and residents while supporting local economic activity and reducing barriers to nutritious food access.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: New York, Government & Policy