Food Bank of the Hudson Valley faces budget cuts amid rising need

The food bank is now looking to the state for help, hoping to secure funding to replace programs that have been reduced or eliminated.

Stephen O'Leary

Aug 12, 2025, 9:42 PM

Updated 3 hr ago

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As more families across the Hudson Valley struggle to put food on the table, the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley says it's facing significant budget cuts making it harder to meet the growing demand for assistance.
“We are seeing an upward trend in food insecurity,” said Felicia Kalan, executive vice president of the Food Bank.
So far this year, the organization has received nearly 200 fewer truckloads of food, a shortfall that could result in nearly six million fewer meals distributed across Orange and Rockland counties.
“This is not the time to make cuts when the need is not getting better—it’s getting worse,” Kalan said.
The food bank is now looking to the state for help, hoping to secure funding to replace programs that have been reduced or eliminated.
“I think for us, we are really relying on the state to make up for some of the programs that have been cut,” Kalan added.
Despite the challenges, the food bank remains committed to its mission.
If funding isn’t restored, the food bank warns that millions of meals could be lost leaving many families without the support they rely on.
Those who want help can donate online.