POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has announced that $100,000 has been awarded through the 2025 Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant (APG): Infrastructure program for four organizations providing food assistance to those struggling to afford food or experiencing homelessness. These projects complement Dutchess County’s ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Every day, local groups are helping to make sure that our neighbors in need have enough to eat. This is a critical need in our community and Dutchess County is proud to offer these recipients the funding that helps them keep doing their great work and reach even more people who need assistance.”
The $100,000 APG: Infrastructure program funding was dedicated for food assistance programs through a Dutchess County Legislature amendment to the 2025 County Budget. Eligible applicants were non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation whose primary mission is to serve food to those experiencing homelessness or provide food to those in need of food assistance, i.e., food pantries, throughout Dutchess County.
Assistant Minority Leader Barrington Atkins said, “I was proud to introduce this crucial amendment to the County budget, ensuring support for the local organizations that work tirelessly every day to feed our neighbors. This grant program will provide them with the tools and resources needed to expand their impact and continue showing up for the people who rely on them, and I’m grateful to have had the full support of my fellow legislators in making it happen.”
Projects funded through the 2025 Agency Partner Grant: Infrastructure Grant Program include:
Dutchess Outreach, Inc.; City of Poughkeepsie, $42,000 – Purchase of commercial-grade kitchen equipment to support meal preparation, storage, and service for the agency’s Lunch Box community meal program and food pantry.
Mental Health America of Dutchess County; City of Poughkeepsie, $25,000 – Purchase of kitchen equipment to upgrade and expand the agency’s veterans’ food pantry, including a commercial freezer and refrigerator; grab-and-go coolers; shelving units and cabinetry.
North East Community Center, Inc.; Millerton, $15,000 – Purchase of equipment to enhance food storage and organization at the agency’s food pantry, including upright freezers; mobile display freezers; grab-and-go coolers; shelving units and mobile basket stands.
Pawling Resource Center; Pawling, $18,000 – Purchase of a convertible refrigerator/freezer and shelving systems for the agency’s food pantry.
Learn more about the Agency Partner Grant program, visit the Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development’s webpage.
