Dear Friends

The past year has shown us just how many people are facing food insecurity. Need for food from Fred’s Pantry x CHHOP remains 300 percent higher than 2019 and despite an "improved pandemic economy" demand shows little sign of slowing. 

The challenge for us is to make sure that we have enough healthy nutritious food for our clients. That means food that is not only nutrient dense, but culturally relevant as well. 

We received a generous grant from Episcopal Charities for their newly launched ”Bulk Buy” program aimed at supporting local Hudson Valley farms and area pantries. Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming was tapped to pair farmers with food pantries. Fred’s Pantry was matched with Hemlock Hill Farm, Huerta Family Farm, and Sweet Freedom Farm. The farmers in the program are small, independent farms run by BIPOC, LGBTQ and/or women. They are paid at the start of the growing season and farmers are then able to consult with the pantry coordinators to find out what should be grown for a specific population. The idea is to bring everyone into the loop to create food sovereignty.

What is food sovereignty? The U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance defines it as  “a movement growing from the bottom up, from the farmers, fishers, indigenous peoples and landless workers most impacted by global hunger and poverty. Food sovereignty goes well beyond ensuring that people have enough food to meet their physical needs. It asserts that people 
must
 reclaim 
their power in the food system by rebuilding the relationships between people and the land, and between food providers and those who eat.
 First framed by
 the international
 peasant movement   La Via Campesina at the World Food Summit in 1996, food sovereignty is rooted in the ongoing global struggles over control of food, land, water, and livelihoods.” (Website for USFSA http://usfoodsovereigntyalliance.org/what-is-food-sovereignty/)

CHHOP is proud to be part of such a transformative program that supports local small farms and helps the area economy.  Next time you’re thinking of buying produce consider heading to your local farmers market or farm stand for the freshest, most nutritious food you can find. You’ll eat well and do good all at the same time.

Warmest regards

Cynthia B. Knox

Cynthia B. Knox

CEO, CHHOP