Cornell Cooperative Extension

Orange County
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Latest Press Release and News from CCE Orange County:

Community Partnership Bring Fresh, Ready-to-Use Produce to RECAP Food Pantry through Rescued EATS Initiative

Middletown, NY — Talented chefs of the future are using their newly learned skills to make a difference in their community. Students from the Orange Ulster BOCES Culinary Program recently processed gleaned produce, fresh fruits and vegetables that may otherwise go unharvested or unsold, into nutritious and tasty foods for local residents as part of a new community driven collaboration organized by SNAP-Ed NY’s Rescued EATS initiative.

“It’s great that we actually get to help people in need. It’s such a great opportunity to do something real,” said Grace, a Valley Central junior. Her classmate Hunter, from Chester Union Free School District, added, “It was interesting to find out that people out there do not know how to use and prepare produce — and we could help.”

After months of coordinating, on September 17th the CCE Orange County Glean Mobile delivered produce — including radishes, peppers, basil, chives, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes — from local farms including Goodness Gardens, Sun Sprout Farm, and Halal Pastures to Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Culinary Arts program. Under the guidance of their Chefs, Level 1 culinary students practiced knife skills while minimally processing the produce into ready-to-use forms, using packaging funded by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. The following day, RECAP Food Pantry distributed the vegetables, along with nutrition tip sheets and recipes provided by SNAP-Ed educators.

At the pantry, residents were excited to try something new. “Can you believe in forty years I’ve never had Brussels sprouts? These are amazing — and they’re free!” said Middletown resident Mike Castiglione, who encouraged others in line to sample them. The roasted Brussels sprouts proved so popular that neighbors came by just to pick up vegetables to enjoy with their meals.

“In surveying food pantry participants across the Hudson Valley, we found a consistent theme: fresh food is only nourishing when people have the time, space, and skills to prepare it. Many families told us that these barriers often made it difficult to use raw produce. By offering minimally processed vegetables, SNAP-Ed NY’s Rescued EATS project directly addresses those challenges, ensuring nutrient-dense foods are not wasted and have a better chance of making it onto the table,” shares Meghan Young, Rescued EATS Project Coordinator, SNAP-Ed New York.

The Rescued EATS project is a testament to what is possible when local organizations work together: farms reducing food waste, students gaining real-world culinary skills, community members accessing nutritious food in usable forms, and nutrition educators supporting healthy habits, and all partners contributing to a healthier climate by keeping surplus produce out of landfills.

“By working together, we’re not only reducing food waste but also making it easier for families to bring nutritious foods to the table. When fresh local food is made accessible, the skills of all our neighbors are shared and developed, the entire community becomes healthier and stronger” shared Meghan Young.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County’s Gleaning Program plays a central role in bridging farms and food pantries across the Hudson Valley. With the Glean Mobile refrigerated truck, volunteers and staff recover produce that is always fresh and nutritious. This produce is delivered directly to food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency food providers, ensuring access to healthy, local foods while preventing waste.

For more than 30 years, SNAP-Ed (The National Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program) has built a statewide network of agencies, educators, and resources to meet the needs of New Yorkers while honoring each community’s strengths and culture. Innovative projects like Rescued EATS show what is possible when local partnerships and nutrition education come together.

Federal funding for SNAP-Ed will end on September 30, 2025, but programs will continue supporting communities during a gradual wind-down period. SNAP-Ed New York remains committed to uplifting local efforts around food, nutrition, and physical activity for as long as resources allow. The success of this initiative demonstrates the potential of collaborative, community-centered solutions to address food access and waste simultaneously.

For more information about SNAP-Ed NY and its Rescued EATS initiative, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County at 845-344-1234.

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Contact

Andrew Graham
Communications Coordinator
acg239@cornell.edu
(845) 344-1234, Ext.233

Last updated September 25, 2025

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