October thirteenth, 2022
$1.4 Million to develop meals entry for Monroe County households in Gates, Greece and Irondequoit
Monroe County Govt Adam Bello joined Congressman Joe Morelle, Foodlink, and different neighborhood companions right now to announce $1.4 million in proposed funding awarded to Foodlink to develop meals entry for Monroe County households. Foodlink’s proposal is one in every of virtually 40 tasks chosen as a part of Convey Monroe Again, Monroe County’s plan that may make the most of federal funds acquired via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“The wellness and vitality of our neighborhood requires each individual to have entry to wholesome and nutritious meals, no matter age or geographic location,” mentioned County Govt Bello. “Throughout the top of the pandemic, we noticed households throughout Monroe County impacted by meals insecurity. Even right now, we see each metropolis and suburban meals pantries and meals cabinets struggling to satisfy elevated demand. Partnering with Foodlink will enable us to achieve extra individuals in want.”
Foodlink’s proposal addresses two vital drawbacks in Federal Diet Applications (FNPs) which at present limits geographies and units age limits. At the moment, FNPs outdoors the Metropolis of Rochester should meet strict earnings {qualifications} and solely pays for meals for youngsters (5-18) or seniors. The present pointers exclude multi-generational packages — a barrier to serve the rising want in cities like Gates, Greece and Irondequoit.
This proposal permits Foodlink to serve high quality, nutritious meals to multi-generational households all through Monroe County through revolutionary neighborhood packages comparable to Foodlink’s “meal supply truck,” which gives meals to underserved neighborhoods and to anybody in want. This system was piloted in focused metropolis neighborhoods over the past two summers. With ARPA assist from Monroe County, this system will develop into excessive want areas in numerous cities in addition to serve meals for multi-generational households on the Lewis Road YMCA Neighborhood Heart in Rochester and Open Door Mission’s Coldwater Home in Gates.
“Foodlink is a rare neighborhood useful resource that’s serving to to make sure kids and households have entry to the dependable, wholesome meals they deserve,” mentioned Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to have secured this funding via the American Rescue Plan that may enable Foodlink to develop their attain and supply extra meals to extra households. I’m grateful to County Govt Bello for prioritizing this important initiative and for his continued work to make the most of ARPA investments in a manner that uplifts our neighborhood and builds a brighter future for everybody who calls Monroe County dwelling.”
“Foodlink gives a useful service to Monroe County residents, working diligently to deal with meals insecurity throughout the area,” mentioned Senator Schumer. “I labored onerous to safe these American Rescue Plan Act funds for native governments, and I applaud County Govt Bello for allocating these funds to Foodlink to make sure households all throughout Monroe County have entry to wholesome, filling meals.”
“Making certain residents have entry to nutritious meals is important to the well being and wellness of our communities. Foodlink has a monitor report of offering wholesome meals to households throughout Monroe County,” mentioned Senator Gillibrand. “I fought to safe these important American Rescue Plan funds for native governments, as a result of I do know our communities know greatest make investments these funds.”
“American Rescue Plan Act funding will enable our neighborhood kitchen to develop our providers and attain new neighborhood members,” mentioned Julia Tedesco, Foodlink President & CEO. “We’re grateful for this chance granted to us by Monroe County to serve high quality meals via fashions that traditionally weren’t eligible to take part in federal diet packages. We sit up for serving extra multi-generational packages like Coldwater Home, and we hope this initiative will function a mannequin for the evolution of federal diet packages.”
Concerning the Convey Monroe Again ARPA initiative:
Underneath County Govt Bello’s Bring Monroe Back restoration initiative, the Division of Planning carried out a community-wide survey, held quite a few public conferences and heard testimony from neighborhood organizations to find out neighborhood funding priorities. The plan is now earlier than the Monroe County Legislature for consideration and approval. Chosen packages align with a number of of County Govt Bello’s 4 pillars for Monroe County’s future: Public Well being and Wellness, Public Security, Financial and Workforce Improvement, and Infrastructure.
Pending approval by the County Legislature, Monroe County will enter right into a contract with Foodlink that may begin on or about Jan. 1, 2023.
