Ulster County Opens Round 2 of Food Security Grants, $410K Available

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announced today that applications are now open for Round 2 of the Ulster County Food Security Grant Program, with $410,000 in funding available to support local food security initiatives. The program is once again being administered in partnership with Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, with applications due by October 15, 2025.

Twenty-two grants were awarded in the first round last year to community partners in the county’s food security network. In response to ongoing need, the Ulster County Legislature unanimously approved funding for a second round earlier this year.

Funding will prioritize projects that:

Address food insecurity directly

Expand or leverage existing emergency food services

Provide equipment or staffing to boost food collection, storage, and distribution capacity

Strengthen sustainability in underserved geographic areas

Purchase food for distribution

Grants will range from $5,000 to $20,000 for individual organizations, with collaborative proposals eligible for up to $75,000 if they demonstrate long-term resiliency and sustainability in the emergency food system.

“One out of six children in our county face food insecurity, and it’s critical that we expand the capacity of our emergency food network to meet the need,” Metzger said. “At a time when the Administration in Washington has made massive cuts to support for food banks and SNAP, and as federal tariffs put upward pressure on food prices, we are stepping up our support locally.”

The funding includes $350,000 approved by the County Legislature in March, plus $60,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds. Projects that align with recommendations from the Ulster County Food Security and Access Network (UCFSAN) report, facilitated by Family of Woodstock and updated in February 2025, will be especially competitive.

“These small dollar grants represent critical investment in food pantries, community organizations, and religious institutions that assist our neighbors in getting back on their feet,” said Minority Leader Kevin Roberts (Plattekill), co-sponsor of the funding resolution. Legislator Debra Clinton (D-Gardiner) said local food pantries “have become an essential lifeline for families” as federal food assistance programs face cuts.

Laura Washington, President and CEO of Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, said food access was identified as a top priority during community engagement sessions. “We’re proud to partner with Ulster County to support frontline organizations and their vital work,” she said.

Applications and program details are available at communityfoundationshv.org/grants. Awards will be announced in early December 2025.

For more information on grant applications, contact Cristin McPeake at cmcpeake@communityfoundationshv.org or (845) 452-3077.