Poughkeepsie – Dutchess County’s first Food Security Council, founded by Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, held its inaugural meeting this Thursday, May 16th. Serino first announced the creation of the council during his State of the County address in March.
“We are seeing a record number of individuals seeking resources from the more than 65 food pantries in Dutchess County, and that number will only increase after the pandemic,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. said. “This is an issue that affects people from all walks of life. By bringing the right people to the table, the Food Security Council can provide policymakers with guidance on how best to address hunger. We can work to ensure that all of our neighbors have access to healthy, locally grown food.”
The Dutchess County Food Security Council was first proposed by Dutchess Outreach Executive Director Renee Filet-Miccio in response to the increasing number of individuals and families relying on food pantries each week. Ta.
“According to Feeding America’s latest report, 29,700 Dutchess County residents are food insecure. Our community’s food budget shortfall is $24,638,000. And that’s just in Dutchess County. However, it is critical that we work together to find solutions. The charity food system is not intended to provide long-term food assistance, and neither can we. We are here every week to meet children, seniors and workers who don’t have a single meal a day. Through local innovation, effective policy and practice, we can and will do better. We will,” said Dr. Renee Filet-Miccio.
The goals of the Food Security Council are:
* Understand and measure food insecurity in Dutchess County, its root causes, the scale of the problem, and barriers to progress.
* Reducing food waste in Dutchess County.
* Maximize food availability. and
* Recommend policies for Dutchess County to effectively reduce food insecurity.
The inaugural Food Security Council members and their respective industries include:
* Dr. Renee Fillette-Miccio, Dutchess Outreach
*Melissa Clark, Dutchess-Orange Area United Way
* Sabrina Marzuca, Dutchess County Community and Family Services Director
* Teresa Giovanniello, Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services Deputy Director
*Eoin Rafter, Director of Dutchess County Planning and Development
* Allie Smith, Dutchess County Behavioral and Community Health Department
* Nimesh Bhargava, Dutchess County Department of Aging
* Gibson-Dernford, Ten Mile Farm
* Dennis Macheska, Vassar College
* Barbara Citarella, Public Health Consultant
* Christine Sergent, North East Community Center
* Dutchess County Executive Office
Typical industries include philanthropy, food purchasing assistance, nutrition, agriculture, education, health, and government.
Serino continued, “I am so grateful to Renee Filletto Miccio for championing the creation of the Food Security Council. I look forward to hearing their feedback on how we can improve this critical issue facing our neighbors across Dutchess County.”
If you are looking for more information or would like to learn how to join the Food Security Council, please call the Dutchess County Executive Office at 845-486-2000 or CountyExec@dutchessny.gov Please send email.
