The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4 has announced the awarding of a $98,185 grant to Sycamore Collaborative in Schenectady. The funding comes from DEC’s Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grant program and is part of a broader $5 million initiative aimed at supporting food pantries, soup kitchens, and similar organizations across the state.
Sean Mahar, Director of DEC Region 4, said, “As food insecurity is on the rise with skyrocketing food prices and uncertainty surrounding the social programs that feed communities across the nation, this Thanksgiving, New York is proud to be making investments in community-based food relief organizations that are trying to keep up with the demand and fight hunger. This funding for organizations like the Sycamore Collaborative will not only increase the amount of food available to vulnerable New Yorkers who need it the most, it is a central part of the state’s efforts to divert food waste from landfills and fight climate change.”
Sycamore Collaborative operates Schenectady County’s largest food pantry. Last year, it distributed enough food for nearly one million meals. The organization reports an ongoing increase in households seeking assistance each month. The new grant will fund a box truck with a lift gate, a refrigerator, and a straddle stacker—equipment intended to help meet growing demand and ensure efficient distribution.
Aldo Juárez-Romero, Acting Executive Director/CEO of Sycamore Collaborative, stated, “With the number of families seeking our help growing by 15 to 20 percent year over year for the past three years, this support arrives at a crucial moment. It will help us sustain our current level of service and ensure we can continue showing up for the neighbors who rely on us. We’re deeply grateful for the partnerships that make this work possible.”
In total, 97 Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grants have been awarded statewide in amounts ranging from $1,200 to $100,000. These grants are designed to help organizations purchase equipment such as emergency generators and vehicles needed for transporting donated food. In the Capital Region alone—including Albany and surrounding counties—three organizations received grants totaling $291,939: Food Pantries for the Capital District ($100,000), Higher Horizons Development Corporation ($93,754), and Sycamore Collaborative ($98,185).
The DEC administers these grants as part of its ongoing commitment to managing wasted food responsibly while also addressing hunger issues throughout New York State. Additional state initiatives include laws requiring large businesses to donate excess edible food rather than send it to landfills—a measure credited with collecting more than 63 million pounds of donated food recently.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has committed over $11 million toward emergency food relief efforts this year. Of that amount, $6 million supports Feeding New York State and its network of regional food banks through critical staffing and operational funds.
Other related efforts involve partnerships between DEC and groups such as Feeding New York State’s regional banks and hunters donating venison; last year alone saw nearly 40 tons contributed through these programs.
Statewide measures aimed at improving affordability and preventing hunger include free school lunches for all children in public schools along with various nutrition-focused grant programs.
A full list of awardees can be found on DEC’s website.
