Serino Launches New Grant for Local Organizations Providing Food Assistance to Those in Need

Applications accepted online through Aug. 5^th

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino today announced a new grant opportunity to support organizations throughout Dutchess County dedicated to feeding neighbors in need – be it serving warm meals to those facing homelessness. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for these grants online, now through the August 5th application deadline.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Local organizations are out there every day making sure neighbors have food on the table, often with limited staff and resources. This funding is about helping them do what they do best: serve our community. By investing in their infrastructure, we’re helping them reach more people and continue to be there for those who rely on them most.”

Eligible non-profit organizations are those 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, within Dutchess County. Examples of eligible expenses include freezers; grab-and-go coolers; shelving/storage systems; food preparation and transport equipment; food packaging; Point of Sale (POS) systems and inventory management systems. Priority will be given to agencies that show a strong commitment to providing meals for individuals experiencing homelessness.

A total of $100,000 was dedicated through a Dutchess County Legislature amendment to the 2025 County Budget for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations’ operating infrastructure initiatives as part of the County’s 2025 Agency Partner Grant (APG): Infrastructure program.

The County’s Community Development Advisory Committee and the Department of Planning & Development’s staff will review all APG: Infrastructure applications and send their recommendations to the County Executive for final approval.

Additional information, application instructions and guidance about the 2025 APG: Infrastructure program is available online. Applications will be accepted via anonline portal through Aug. 5 at 3 p.m.; awards are expected to be announced in early fall 2025.

Organizations that have questions or would like additional information about the grant program can contact the Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development at communitygrants@dutchessny.gov or (845) 486-3600.

These grants are the latest in Dutchess County’s continuing efforts to address hunger and improve access to healthy food.  In 2024, County Executive Serino established the Dutchess County Food Security Council to identify the scope, causes and barriers of food insecurity in Dutchess County while reducing food waste, expanding food access and recommending effective policy solutions.