Port Chester organization fights food insecurity in the Hudson Valley; new initiative in the works to address growing need
There is a new approach to battling food insecurity in the Hudson Valley. A Port Chester-based organization is doing just that -at a time when it is seeing a need like never before.
More Stories
There is a new approach to battling food insecurity in the Hudson Valley. A Port Chester-based organization is doing just that - at a time when it is seeing a need like never before.
"Before SNAP, we were up 20% year over year, so there is a real need and it's based on the food costs," says Jon Haseltine, executive director of Meals on Main Street.
Haseltine says they're on pace to make about 1.25 million meals this year.
The meals and food are brought to the communities that need it.
"Our commitment is to find sort of the food deserts in the county and bring it to those locations," Haseltine explains.
It's done through several initiatives, like the mobile food pantries.
And soon, there will be the mobile community cafe.
"We are going to create a dignified dining experience with the community cafe," says Haseltine.
Haseltine says they're creating a first for the area.
"It's really a place where anyone can come up to it. They can either have food for free, a meal or they can donate, pay it forward. It's a really good way to bring high quality food and meals to different parts of the county," Haseltine tells News 12.
The group is planning to roll out the mobile community cafe in the spring. It just received a $100,000 grant from the Junior League of Westchester on the Sound.
"It's really about that, finding out where the people are and helping them meet their needs," says Haseltine.
To learn more about the mission behind Meals on Main Street and how to help, click here.
