Funds will Support Municipalities and Nonprofit Organizations to Combat Food Insecurity and the Spread of Infectious Diseases
Close to $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds will be awarded to various organizations and municipalities, to address food insecurity and the spread of infectious diseases throughout Westchester.
As part of an ongoing effort to utilize remaining CDBG-CV funds to help communities become stronger and more resilient, the Westchester County Department of Planning is announcing funding awards to eight organizations and one municipality totaling $699,521.81. Municipalities belonging to the Urban County Consortium, as well as nonprofit organizations serving these communities were eligible to apply.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We have truly seen the value in the CDBG program in communities across Westchester County, whether funding has been used to complete projects like sidewalk repairs, make park improvements, update a senior center and more. The organizations that help us provide fresh, nutritious food for individuals who are food insecure can be a lifeline for many of our residents. These funding dollars are ultimately going to help improve the quality of life of families who are struggling.”
Westchester County Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “The Department is pleased to provide much needed funding to nonprofit organizations and municipalities to combat food insecurity and protect residents from the spread of infectious diseases. The County continues to support efforts to address these areas of need, and we look forward to working with these organizations to see the positive impact their services provide to their communities.”
Westchester County Food Security Coordinator Susan Weisman said: “This funding meets a critical need, especially since the start of COVID-19, to support nonprofit organizations that assist food insecure residents in the County. I speak directly with those who run food pantries and soup kitchens to understand what they are experiencing as they work to help their clients. The number of food insecure people has increased drastically since COVID-19 started, and it has not gone back down to the pre-pandemic number.”
Mayor of the Village/Town of Mount Kisco J. Michael Cindrich said: “The Village is incredibly grateful for this generous grant funding, which allows us to install MERV 13 air filters in our library and senior center. These high-efficiency filters will significantly improve indoor air quality, helping to reduce the spread of airborne illnesses, including COVID-19. By investing in cleaner air, we are prioritizing the health and well-being of our community members, especially our seniors and those who rely on these vital public spaces.”
CEO of the Port Chester Carver Center Anne Bradner said: “We are deeply grateful for the CDBG-CV funding, which has enabled the Port Chester Carver Center to continue supporting our community through the lasting impacts of COVID-19. This support, in addition to previous funding through the “Nourishing Our Neighbors” grant, has strengthened our efforts to distribute more nutritious food through our Carver Market operations. This investment enhances our ability to fight food insecurity and nourish our community. Westchester County’s support has allowed us to provide essential services and ensure our neighbors receive the resources they need to thrive.”
The Planning Department received a total of 15 applications requesting over $1.5M in funds. Funding was awarded as follows:
Gullotta House - $88,200 For partnering with local restaurants and providing free hot meals in Ossining, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown
Community Food Pantry of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown - $25,000 For the purchase of healthy food to distribute to the community at local distribution
Hillside Food Outreach - $10,000 For the purchase of healthy groceries that are delivered to homebound residents of consortium communities
Port Chester Carver Center - $100,000 For the purchase of healthy food for their market style, self-choice pantry in Port Chester
Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry - $85,000 - For the purchase of healthy food for their market style, self-choice pantry in Mount Kisco
Village/Town of Mount Kisco - $5,000 For the purchase of MERV 13 filters for the Mount Kisco Library and the Mount Kisco Senior Center
Human Development Services of Westchester - $36,321.81 For the purchase of personal protective equipment for residential supportive housing, care management programs and counseling services in consortium communities
Horseman’s Harvest - $150,000 For the purchase of new industrial cold storage refrigerators/freezers, a van for food pickup and delivery, food for distribution and personal protective equipment in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow
Caritas of Port Chester d/b/a Meals on Main Street - $200,000 For the renovation of their new community kitchen in Mount Kisco