WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AWARDS $287,000
IN CDBG FUNDS FOR FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM.
CDBG Funds used to Purchase Mobile Food Pantry to Service
Port Chester and Ossining Communities.
(White Plains, NY) – A bright blue mobile food pantry will now patrol the streets of Port Chester and Ossining, thanks to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding awarded by the Westchester County Department of Planning. Caritas of Port Chester, a neighborhood soup kitchen and food pantry giving to anyone in need of food, drink, clothing or other emergency services, was awarded $287,500 by the County to purchase the van. Caritas will begin using the van for home delivery of groceries, fresh produce and meals to those who are unable to access a food pantry in the Port Chester and Ossining communities.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “The purchase of this mobile food pantry is just one of the many reasons reestablishing our CDBG program in Westchester was so important. These funds can be used for infrastructure improvements, housing needs and community development in our communities, where a project may otherwise have been left on the chopping block. Because of this grant provided by our Planning Department, residents who may be experiencing food insecurity, or who have difficulty accessing a pantry will have an easier time receiving the good, nutritious food they need.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Planning Department Norma Drummond said: “This is another example of CDBG funds being deployed by the Department of Planning to a partner agency in an innovative manner that will deliver resources directly to those in the Port Chester and Ossining communities with the highest needs.”
The CDBG funding was used for the following:
· The purchase of the pantry truck
· Staffing a logistic coordinator to manage the sourcing and allocation of farm fresh produce
· A refrigerated container for truck storage
· Shelving, mats and bins for food storage inside the truck
The vehicle will primarily serve Port Chester and Ossining, in addition to other neighborhoods experiencing high levels of food insecurity.
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