UPDATE: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has just announced more than $5 million in emergency equipment grants for food relief organizations across the state, aimed at combating hunger and reducing food waste. This urgent funding will bolster efforts from Jamestown to Montauk as organizations prepare to address escalating food insecurity.
In a significant boost to local efforts, the St. Susan Center in Jamestown will receive over $61,000 to purchase a new walk-in freezer, replacing an outdated system that has been in operation for over 20 years. Executive Director Cherie Rowland emphasizes the importance of this grant, stating, “We would never be able to afford a freezer like this. It makes us more efficient.” The center, which has served the community for more than 40 years, relies on this equipment to store approximately 90% of its food donations, preventing perfectly good food from ending up in landfills.
The DEC’s initiative comes at a critical time, as food relief organizations face mounting challenges in meeting community needs. “From Montauk to Buffalo, these grants enable more capacity at these emergency food relief organizations to get that food to hungry people and out of the trash,” stated Molly Trembley, an environmental engineer at the DEC. The funding not only aims to feed the hungry but also to address environmental issues surrounding food waste.
The St. Susan Center’s new freezer will enhance its ability to prepare hundreds of meals daily, offering support to individuals facing temporary hardships. Rowland shared her gratitude, saying, “We’re going to be able to serve our people another twenty plus years.” This reflects a broader commitment by the DEC to address food insecurity holistically, as noted by program specialist Miranda Wolf, who remarked on the importance of tackling food waste as part of environmental conservation efforts.
Overall, 97 food relief organizations will benefit from the DEC’s program, signaling a robust response to the growing demand for food assistance. As DEC officials prepare to announce another round of emergency relief grants in Spring 2024, the urgency of these efforts cannot be overstated—not only do they feed the hungry, but they also foster sustainable practices in food management.
Stay tuned for more updates as these critical initiatives unfold. The fight against hunger continues, and with the support of the DEC, local organizations are stronger than ever.