Barrett secures cash to strengthen Dutchess Outreach efforts

POUGHKEEPSIE – , the operator of the largest food pantry in Dutchess County, is receiving $75,000 in funding, secured by Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D- Dutchess/Columbia).  The funding will help Dutchess Outreach expand its efforts to support local farmers by purchasing local, farm-grown food for the pantry.  The program has made substantial strides in moving away from bulk purchases of processed foods from the regional food bank by transitioning to healthier, farm-fresh foods from local farms in the Hudson Valley.

The influx of state funding, secured by Barrett, will also support the operation of the Dutchess Outreach Farm Stand, a mobile food pantry program in the Town of Poughkeepsie. For over 50 years, Dutchess Outreach has worked consistently to combat food insecurity in Dutchess County, providing fresh, local foods to those in need.

“Our Hudson Valley region is blessed with world-class farms that have fed our region for generations. As a longtime advocate for combatting food insecurity, I believe the solution starts in our own backyard – sourcing local food from our small and midsized farms to feed our communities,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “I am thrilled to secure $75,000 in funding for Dutchess Outreach to purchase food from local farms here in the 106th Assembly District and to continue supporting their successful Farm Stand in the Town of Poughkeepsie, a mobile food pantry that distributes thousands of pounds of food to local families.” 

“We are incredibly grateful to Assemblymember Didi Barrett for this $75,000 investment in our community,” said Dutchess Outreach Executive Director Renee Fillette.  “At a time when more families are struggling to afford healthy food and local farmers are facing tremendous economic pressures, this funding allows us to address both challenges at once.” The leader of the Dutchess Outreach efforts also said, “This is exactly the kind of investment we need: one that strengthens families, supports farmers, and builds a more sustainable and resilient local food system.”