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Colleen Pillus, Communications Director
(845) 486-2000
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — As the federal shutdown threatens to freeze Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 11,000 households in Dutchess County tomorrow, County Executive Sue Serino and Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt announced today Dutchess County Government is making a commitment of up to $1.5 million in funds to support local food pantries to assist County residents who receive SNAP benefits.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “I have been working in close coordination with our Food Security Council, and our commitment of $150,000 a week is realistic, manageable and exactly what the food pantries have told us they need to fulfill their critical mission. Hunger is a human issue; no one should go hungry because of politics. It’s absolutely ridiculous that elected leaders of the greatest country on earth can’t come together to keep people from going hungry. I’m proud to say, however, that we in Dutchess County remain committed to standing by our neighbors.”
Dutchess County will commit $150,000 a week for pantries to purchase and distribute food for up to 10 weeks, if needed. The determination of that commitment amount followed discussions with the Dutchess County Food Security Council Chair Renee Fillette-Miccio, who also serves as Executive Director of Dutchess Outreach.
Dutchess Outreach Executive Director Renee Fillette-Miccio, PhD said, “I never imagined that our federal government would push us into this crisis. I am thankful to County Executive Serino and Legislature Chairman Truitt for mobilizing these resources that will provide steady support for our local food pantries. This is a smart and effective use of funding that will get food quickly to those impacted by the federal government’s inaction on SNAP. I am thankful that we have the local structure already in place to respond quickly thanks to the work we have been doing with the Dutchess County Coalition of Emergency Food Providers as well as the Food Security Council that County Executive Serino established last year.”
The initial installment of $150,000 will be funded with existing County funds, and the County Legislature will vote to authorize the full $1.5 million, as needed, at its Thursday, November 6th meeting. Dutchess County has already invested more than $300,000 in 2025 to help local groups combat food insecurity.
Legislature Chairman Will Truitt said, “With the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits, we must step up and ensure those who rely on this assistance do not go without. I’m proud to partner with the County Executive to take this emergency step, and I am sending a resolution to my colleagues in the County Legislature committing additional funds of up to $1.5 million should the gridlock in Washington become prolonged. It is my sincere hope that the federal government ends this shutdown and does the right thing by fully funding SNAP. In the meantime, Dutchess County will do all that it can to help — and lead when others won’t.”
Legislature Minority Leader Yvette Valdez-Smith said, “The Democratic Caucus will support all efforts to keep our families and seniors fed. Period.”
Residents can find the latest SNAP updates, as well as information about local food pantry and meal program resources, on Dutchess County's SNAP webpage.
Additionally, the County is working with Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley to reactivate its “Dutchess Responds” fund for those who want to help. County Executive Serino also urges residents and businesses, who are able, to consider making monetary donations to Dutchess Outreach, North East Community Center and the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region or the food pantry near them.
County Executive Serino continues to survey the situation on a daily basis, communicating with County leaders and community stakeholders while also navigating the challenges of procurement and stressing the importance of working together efficiently to maximize community benefit. She joined a meeting of the Dutchess County Food Security Council to plan and strengthen support for local food pantries and organizations. Earlier today, County Executive Serino hosted a call with municipal leaders from across the county to exchange information and discuss ongoing local efforts.
