This year we have partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County to increase access to our meat and produce throughout Dover-Wingdale and the broader region. Cornell received a grant to procure food from local farms to distribute free of charge, making local, high-quality food available to anyone in our region regardless of their financial situation. For years, we have made weekly donations to the Center of Compassion in Dover Plains, but this year we were able to increase the quantity and frequency of those deliveries with the support of this program. Additionally, Cornell has partnered with Meals on Main Street in Port Chester, which does mobile distribution throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties.
A major benefit of this grant is that we were able to start discussions with Cornell over the winter before crops went into the ground, allowing us to tailor what we grew this season to meet the demand of what is needed for local families. We have harvested and delivered salad greens, spinach, cucumbers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, ground beef and pork, steaks, roasts, pork chops, sausage, bacon and much more - things that people are familiar with and actually want to eat. This year, we have delivered approximately 1,500 lbs of meat and 1,000 lbs of produce to the Center of Compassion and Meals on Main Street. Right now the grant is funded through next August, allowing us to plan for another season!Â
We are grateful for this partnership with CCE Putnam County, and for our ongoing relationship with the Center for Compassion. To learn more about the program, and learn more about the Center for Compassion, click here.
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