Ulster County Food Security Grant Program

The Ulster County Food Security Grant Program (Round 2) is a targeted initiative led by Ulster County in alignment with the findings and priorities of the Ulster County Food Security and Access Network (UCFSAN) Report. The program is intended to strengthen emergency food services throughout Ulster County, New York, by funding projects that address food insecurity and enhance the resilience and sustainability of the local emergency food distribution system. This round continues a focused effort to improve food access for underserved populations and communities lacking critical provider coverage. This grant supports a range of activities that directly align with identified food security priorities. Eligible proposals must aim to address food insecurity through initiatives that may include leveraging and expanding existing emergency food services, acquiring equipment or hiring personnel to enhance food collection, storage, and distribution capabilities, purchasing food, and targeting geographic areas that are critically underserved. Sustainability is a central theme; projects must demonstrate long-term viability beyond the grant period, particularly in areas where emergency food service providers are limited or overstretched. Individual organizations may request grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. For collaborative efforts involving multiple organizations, requests up to $75,000 are allowed. However, collaborative applications must include a detailed and realistic plan for how the funds will improve the long-term capacity and resiliency of the emergency food network. Proposals that seek funds solely for food purchasing within a collaboration will be considered less competitive. Every organization involved in a collaborative project must clearly outline its role and contribution. Applicants are required to submit an online application through the designated grants portal. A PDF version of the application form is available to assist applicants in preparing responses offline, though final submission must occur online. All applications are due by October 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Award notifications are expected in early December 2025. Submitted proposals will be reviewed and rated by a Grants Committee of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley based on specific criteria. These include the clarity and charitable purpose of the project, organizational capacity and stability, the realism and thoroughness of the budget, and the anticipated impact and long-term outcomes. Applicants must demonstrate the potential for measurable and lasting impact, alignment with grant guidelines, and an ability to address root causes of food insecurity. Questions about the grant program can be directed to Cristin McPeake, Vice President of Programs at the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. She can be reached by phone at 845-452-3077 or via email at cmcpeake@communityfoundationshv.org. This initiative is partially supported by federal funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through award number 21.027 issued to Ulster County.

Review the Ulster County UCFSAN Report to align with community needs. Collaborations must show sustainability; food-only requests are less competitive.