POUGHKEEPSIE- Dutchess Outreach, a not-for-profit organization first formed in 1974 and officially incorporated in 1981 is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The organization, whose mission is to address food insecurity in Dutchess County, began small and has grown to average 1,500 monthly visits with service of hundreds of hot meals daily. Today, Dutchess Outreach is the largest food security organization in the county, assisting over 10,000 people annually.
“Dutchess Outreach is not only looking to expand its reach of emergency food support,” says Executive Director Renee Miccio. “Rather, we believe that with a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach, we can dramatically decrease food insecurity in Dutchess County while strengthening our local food system so everyone can thrive.”
Since its inception, the need for Dutchess Outreach’s services has only grown. According to Dutchess Oureach, food insecurity in the state has increased by 85 percent since 2022, compared with an increase of 35 percent nationwide with 25 percent of adults living in New York having experienced food insecurity.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the organization is planning a celebration event at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie for September 19, 2024. They are also running a social media campaign to share 50 facts about the organization, its history, and its vision for the future.
To learn more about Dutchess Outreach or to donate, please visit dutchessoutreach.org
