Poughkeepsie Farm Project Combats Food Insecurity in the Wake of COVID-19
POUGHKEEPSIE—Poughkeepsie Farm Project’s (PFP) ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity in the Hudson Valley haven’t slowed down in the wake of the COVID-19 virus, with PFP personnel stepping up to the plate—literally and figuratively—to help ensure Poughkeepsie families have nourishing food to eat.
Two weeks ago, an emergency response team began providing bags of fresh produce to Chef Dave Dunn, Food Services Director of the Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD), to distribute along with the free school meals available from PCSD for students at four locations in Poughkeepsie. Produce will continue to be provided at these sites until April 17th, including:
·New Hope Community Center, Hudson Gardens, 120 Hudson Ave. 9:00-10:00am
·Eastman Tower, Montgomery St. 11:00am-12:00pm
·Rip Van Winkle Apartments, 10 Rinaldi Blvd 11:00am-12:00pm
·Harriet Tubman Terrace Apartments, 29 Jefferson Street 11:00am-12:00pm
At each site, bags of fresh produce will be made available for pickup beginning on Tuesday, and will continue to be distributed throughout the week as long as supplies last. Along with the vegetables, PFP staff are including recipes, produce storage tips, vegetable coloring sheets, and other activities for students and families who are staying at home during this difficult time.
“Supporting our community during this period of massive food insecurity and anxiety cuts to the heart of our mission at Poughkeepsie Farm Project,” commented Ray Armater, Executive Director. “We’re grateful for the ability to play a role in feeding families during COVID-19.”
While students can obtain free produce at the sites listed above, cold breakfast and lunch bags will also continue to be available from the Poughkeepsie City School District at the following locations throughout the city:
From 9-10 a.m. at:
·Hudson Gardens, 120 Hudson Ave.
·Thurgood Marshall, 109 Delafield St.
·MLK, 159 Washington St.
·Dr. J. Brady Apartments, 11 Boulevard Knolls
·Bixby Apartments, 21 Charles Street
From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at:
·Poughkeepsie High School parking lot, 70 Forbus St.
·Eastman Tower, Montgomery St.
·Rip Van Winkle Tower, Main Street and Rinaldi Blvd.
·Harriet Tubman Apartments, Jefferson and Church Streets