Westchester Reporter

Westchester County has announced the allocation of close to $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds to support various organizations and a municipality within the Urban County Consortium. The funding is aimed at tackling food insecurity and curtailing the spread of infectious diseases across the county.

The Westchester County Department of Planning disclosed that the funding, totaling $699,521.81, will be awarded to eight organizations and one municipality. These entities, which are part of the Urban County Consortium, were eligible to apply for the funding to strengthen their communities' resilience and capacity to address these pressing issues.

County Executive Ken Jenkins emphasized the importance of the CDBG program, stating, “We have truly seen the value in the CDBG program in communities across Westchester County.” He further noted that the funds will be directed towards vital projects, including providing nutritious food to individuals facing food insecurity.

Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez expressed satisfaction with the ability to provide necessary funds, saying, “The Department is pleased to provide much needed funding to nonprofit organizations and municipalities to combat food insecurity and protect residents from the spread of infectious diseases.”

Susan Weisman, the County's Food Security Coordinator, highlighted the ongoing critical need for funding since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The number of food-insecure people has increased drastically since COVID-19 started,” she noted, underscoring that this need remains above pre-pandemic levels.

Mayor J. Michael Cindrich of Mount Kisco expressed gratitude for the grant, which will allow for the installation of MERV 13 air filters at local community facilities. “These high-efficiency filters will significantly improve indoor air quality, helping to reduce the spread of airborne illnesses, including COVID-19,” he explained.

Anne Bradner, CEO of the Port Chester Carver Center, acknowledged the CDBG-CV funding's impact. “Westchester County’s support has allowed us to provide essential services and ensure our neighbors receive the resources they need to thrive,” she stated, reflecting on the center's enhanced ability to combat food insecurity.

Altogether, 15 applications were submitted, requesting funds exceeding $1.5 million. The funding awards were distributed as follows:

- Gullotta House received $88,200 for providing free hot meals in designated areas.

- The Community Food Pantry of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown was granted $25,000 to purchase healthy food for distribution.

- Hillside Food Outreach secured $10,000 for delivering groceries to homebound residents.

- Port Chester Carver Center was allocated $100,000 for its self-choice pantry operations.

- Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry got $85,000 for purchasing healthy food.

- The Village/Town of Mount Kisco received $5,000 for air filters in local facilities.

- Human Development Services of Westchester was awarded $36,321.81 for personal protective equipment.

- Horseman’s Harvest received $150,000 for cold storage and food distribution equipment.

- Caritas of Port Chester d/b/a Meals on Main Street was allocated $200,000 for kitchen renovations.

Westchester County continues its efforts to combat food insecurity and the spread of diseases through these targeted allocations.