Congressman Joe Morelle together with Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced Monday the delivery of $750,000 for Foodlink to help cover the costs of a much-needed refrigerator expansion project.
“The pandemic forced too many Monroe County residents into food insecurity, and as we continue to emerge from this crisis, we must ensure families are able to provide for their children and put food on their tables,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to have worked with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to secure this critical funding and allow Foodlink to better serve the local families who need them. I look forward to our continued work together to increase access to healthy meal options and strengthen the future of our community.”
In the wake of the pandemic, Foodlink has helped serve an unprecedented number of food-insecure families in our area—distributing 25% more food in the last year alone. This funding will help Foodlink substantially grow its refrigeration space to not only increase the amount of food it is able to distribute, but also expand its offering of fresh food options to
those in need.
The $750,000 award is being made available as part of the Community Funding Project program allowing Members of Congress to provide direct investments to areas of their communities that need it most. This funding was passed as part of the appropriations package recently signed into law by the President.
“Foodlink provides an invaluable service to Monroe County residents, working diligently to address food insecurity across the region,” said Senator Schumer. “No one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from, and thanks to Foodlink countless families have had access to healthy, filling meals. That’s why I was glad to join with Rep. Morelle and Senator Gillibrand to secure this funding to allow Foodlink to increase their capacity and continue to serve the needs of our community.”
“As food prices rise and Rochester continues to battle the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Foodlink provides a critical lifeline for low-income New Yorkers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to have worked with Senator Schumer and Representative Morelle to secure this investment and I’ll keep fighting to bring federal resources to our communities to help ensure no New Yorker goes hungry.”
“This much-needed investment in our infrastructure and operations will allow Foodlink to distribute more healthy food than ever before,” said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink. “This expansion is a direct response to the impact of COVID-19, coupled with new Foodlink partnerships and initiatives that call for an increased demand for fresh produce and perishable goods. The funding not only increases our capacity to serve the community, it allows us to gain storage and distribution efficiencies, and be better stewards of the dollars entrusted of us by our supporters.”
