WHITE PLAINS, NY (March 28, 2025) — Nearly $700,000 in federal funding is heading to Port Chester and other Westchester County communities to tackle food insecurity and curb the spread of infectious diseases, officials announced Friday. The Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds, totaling $699,521.81, will support nine organizations and municipalities in the Urban County Consortium, with a significant portion aiding efforts in Port Chester.
The Westchester County Department of Planning spearheaded the initiative, distributing the funds to bolster community resilience. Among the recipients, two Port Chester-based organizations landed substantial grants to combat hunger and improve local services. The Port Chester Carver Center secured $100,000 to stock its market-style, self-choice pantry with healthy food, while Caritas of Port Chester, operating as Meals on Main Street, received $200,000 to renovate a new community kitchen in Mount Kisco.
“We are deeply grateful for the CDBG-CV funding, which has enabled the Port Chester Carver Center to continue supporting our community through the lasting impacts of COVID-19,” said Anne Bradner, CEO of the Port Chester Carver Center. “This investment enhances our ability to fight food insecurity and nourish our community.”
Beyond Port Chester, the funds will fuel a range of projects across Westchester. Gullotta House earned $88,200 to partner with restaurants for free hot meals in Ossining, Sleepy Hollow, and Tarrytown, while Horseman’s Harvest nabbed $150,000 for new cold storage, a delivery van, and food distribution in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. Other recipients include the Community Food Pantry of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown ($25,000), Hillside Food Outreach ($10,000), Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry ($85,000), the Village/Town of Mount Kisco ($5,000), and Human Development Services of Westchester ($36,321.81).
County Executive Ken Jenkins praised the program’s impact, stating, “The organizations that help us provide fresh, nutritious food for individuals who are food insecure can be a lifeline for many of our residents.” Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez added, “The County continues to support efforts to address these areas of need, and we look forward to working with these organizations to see the positive impact their services provide.”
The funding comes as food insecurity remains a pressing issue. “The number of food insecure people has increased drastically since COVID-19 started, and it has not gone back down to the pre-pandemic number,” said Susan Weisman, Westchester County Food Security Coordinator. Meanwhile, Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich highlighted a $5,000 grant for MERV 13 air filters, saying, “By investing in cleaner air, we are prioritizing the health and well-being of our community members, especially our seniors.”