News from the Noteworthy from the Community Foundation of Otsego County
Hunger Coalition, Foundations Team Up
Food insecurity in Otsego County is widespread and growing due to cuts in federal programs and economic instability. With additional cuts in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits scheduled for November, the issue will negatively impact numerous families.
Rising to address the increased need in our community (13 percent of the county’s residents are food insecure), The Clark and Scriven Foundations and the Community Foundation of Otsego County are collaborating to ensure that their respective funding efforts are underwriting the county’s food pantries and meal programs year-round, which will help to meet the surging demand from clients. The funding will also purchase produce, dairy, and meat from local farmers and make it available to those in need.
The three foundations are working closely with the Hunger Coalition of Otsego County, a network of 24 food pantries and programs.
“We have been working with the Hunger Coalition for a number of years, and they have been a great partner,” said Jane Forbes Clark, president of The Clark and Scriven Foundations. “By having our funding cycles complement each other, we can make sure that the grant dollars will effectively address food security in every part of the county.”
Following The Clark and Scriven Foundations’ grantmaking this summer, the CFOC will be opening its fall grants round in September, with a focus on food insecurity. CFOC will also partner with the Black Family Foundation, the Black Family Foundation Fund at the Richland Community Foundation, and the Tianaderrah Foundation. The Mildred Parish Fund, Edward W. Stack Family Fund, and Edie and Pat Yinkey Fund (all at CFOC) will join the other foundations in the new “Feed Otsego” fundraising campaign. Feed Otsego will also use Mohawk Valley Gives (September 18) to bring in more funding for this important issue. Donors can support Otsego friends and neighbors by donating at www.givemv.org/campaigns/feed-otsego on September 18.
CFOC is pleased to join with The Clark and Scriven Foundations to address the serious and, sadly, growing, issue of food insecurity in Otsego County. The annual Mohawk Valley Gives fund-raising effort will also provide additional resources to expand the capacity to provide food to individuals and families that need it the most.
Jeff Katz is the executive director of the Community Foundation of Otsego County.
