POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess Outreach, the organization that provides emergency food access and other relief programs while operating one of the largest hot meal programs in the Hudson Valley, the Lunch Box, needs a new chef. Tess Connors, the current Lunch Box manager is leaving the organization after helping the program thrive during the increasing food insecurity crisis that affects millions.
“Tess has truly transformed the program,” said Dutchess Outreach Executive Director Renee Fillette. “She has brought us to a higher state of cleanliness and food safety and improved the quality of our food. She also dramatically improved food ordering and food management, and professionalized the kitchen in so many ways.”
Last year, the Lunch Box served more than 88,000 hot meals to people in need of quality nutrition. The community meal program serves hot lunches and dinners to go. The meals are prepared from scratch and served five days a week and most holidays. More information on the Lunch Box can be found here.
Connors came to Dutchess Outreach with a diverse background in cooking, instructing, farming, and more according to Fillette. She has worked around the country holding positions such as chef instructor, chief of operations, culinary director, and farm manager.
Fillette holds her departing chef in high regard, saying “Tess is certainly leaving us in better condition than she found us, and we will work hard to maintain all of the improvements she has made as we move forward.”
A search is now underway for a Chef to manage the Lunch Box program. Interviews will be conducted by a team of Dutchess Outreach staff, and an active Lunch Box volunteer.
