POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess Outreach has recognized their Assistant Executive Director Tara Whalen for 25 years of service to the Poughkeepsie-based organization that provides meals to the hungry, operates a food pantry, and offers many additional services.
Former President of the Dutchess Outreach Board of Directors, Ann St. Germain praised Whalen, saying, “You do so much for everyone,” on the Dutchess Outreach social media post that honored Whalen.
Whalen has held multiple titles during her time at the organization but said, “At Dutchess Outreach all of the staff pitches in when work needs to be done.” It is not uncommon to see Whalen and other staff, along with volunteers unloading the monthly truck delivery of food purchased from the food bank. “Not only does Tara monitor the inventory and place the orders – she’s the first one to climb into the box truck to unload hundreds and hundreds of pounds of food,” said former board member Todd Bender. “Tara is the heart and soul of the small organization that serves thousands of people in need.”
On Thursday, Whalen was in the Dutchess Outreach Food Pantry surveying the bare shelves created by the increase in clients in need of food staples. “We have seen a continuous increase in clients seeking basic food items since the pandemic began. With the economy stalling, the demand keeps rising,” Whalen said.
An upcoming food delivery in the middle of October will replenish most of the items but Whalen is asking for the public’s help. “We are always in need of food items including jars of peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna, canned ravioli, corned beef hash, and rice,” she pleaded. “As the winter approaches, we definitely need donations of oatmeal, either boxes of single-serve packets or the larger containers of it. We strive to give the clients food that has a high nutritional value.”
Every $3 donated means Dutchess Outreach can secure up to three meals for food insecure residents of Dutchess County.
Individuals or organizations that want to make a tax-deductible monetary donation can do so online by clicking here.
Individuals and organizations that want to donate the requested food items are encouraged to make an appointment by emailing teresa@dutchessoutreach.org or calling 845-454-3792 and asking for Teresa or Tara.
