HVADC Program: FeedHV

Over the past year, the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) has been able to continue the success of its FeedHV program, thanks in large part to a generous grant of $50,000 from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ New York Food For New York Families program (NYFNYF). This critical funding has enabled FeedHV to bolster its support for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQ+ farmers while simultaneously improving food access for underserved communities across the Hudson Valley.

Administered by HVADC and operating in seven counties, FeedHV is the Hudson Valley’s food rescue and harvesting network dedicated to meeting the needs of neighbors while mitigating the impacts of food waste. FeedHV generally works with a donor model, transporting rescued food donations to feeding agencies, all facilitated by a network of approximately 300 volunteers. When grant funding such as NYFNYF is available, it is able to extend its reach by purchasing food from local farms, benefiting both the farmers and the food agencies.

Building on its existing connections with local farms and aid organizations, FeedHV’s NYFNYF funded programing has made significant strides in addressing food insecurity in the region’s most vulnerable communities by donating farm fresh food, purchased from farms and distributed to community aid organizations. The grant funding has allowed FeedHV to donate fresh, locally grown produce, meat, dairy, eggs, and grains from farmers across HVADC’s area of influence, who can often feel like they are outside the established food system due to their minority status. These purchases not only provide vital support to small-scale, traditionally marginalized farms, but show them that leading organizations in the food system recognize their hard work and are available to help when needed.

Through this project, which began in August of 2023 and is now approaching completion, FeedHV was able to purchase and move nearly 80,000 pounds of food to distribute to agencies across seven counties: Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster. Approximately two dozen agencies benefited from this program, including those with food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens that serve low-income and vulnerable populations, many of whom live in food deserts.

In partnership with a growing roster of local farmers, FeedHV has worked tirelessly to ensure that the bounty of the Hudson Valley reaches those who need it most. The NYFNYF funding allowed FeedHV to forge new and strenghtened relationships with over a dozon farms including: Ironwood Farm, Chaseholm Farm Creamery, Tiny Greens Farm, Thurman Farm, Blackhorse Farm, Yara Farm, Great Joy Farm, R&R Family Farm, Quarton Family Farm, Farm Fresh Carribbean, Trinity Farm, Ayni Herb Farm, Choy Division Farm, and MX Morningstar Farm.

By facilitating year-round purchases, HVADC guarantees a consistent supply of fresh food, even during winter when food insecurity is typically at its highest. The program insured winter produce as well as dairy and meats made their way to families in need no matter the season.

“It was imperative to our mission that we use this critical NYFNYF funding to support both farmers and the food insecure during colder months when farms are not producing as much and food banks need quality food the most,” Said FeedHV Program Associate Chris Braccia, who lead NYFNYF grant acquisition and reporting.

FeedHV’s partnerships with local organizations, such as Dutchess Outreach, Family of Woodstock, and CCE Sullivan County, have been key to this project’s success. These agencies, along with several others, play a crucial role in identifying communities in need and ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reaches their doors.

By fostering stronger relationships between Hudson Valley farmers and the local food network, the program not only strengthens food security but also stimulates the local economy. Farmers involved in the project, many of whom face barriers like limited access to land and markets, have been able to depend on payments from the FNYFNY program to plan ahead for the growing season, secure stable sales, and expand their operations.

“It was an honor to engage with socially disadvantaged farmers that have overcome structural injustice to contribute to a more abundant and diverse food system in the Hudson Valley.” said FeedHV Program Coordinator Brianna Merrill who led the effort to onboard new farmers into the program. “I am grateful for our farming partners’ commitment to producing nutrient-dense crops and protein in spite of inherent challenges as well as the opportunity to support their businesses and our food distribution partners.”

FeedHV also worked closely with HVADC Program Associate Linnette Diaz, who is bilingual in Spanish, to expand the program’s reach to non-native English-speaking farmers.

This initiative exemplifies HVADC’s commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable food system. By supporting the agricultural community and addressing food insecurity head-on, HVADC continues to bridge the gap between local farms and food access agencies.

With this funding, FeedHV was able to continue growing its impact, ensuring that everyone in the region—no matter their background—has access to fresh, local food and that farmers have the resources they need to thrive.

To learn more about FeedHV, visit www.feedhv.org.