Members of Food Bank of Hudson Valley invited residents and partners of Orange County and New York State last Thursday, March 7 to celebrate the progress of its newest project, a 40,000-square-foot distribution center located on 574 Route 416, estimated to be finished later this year.

Presently, the Food Bank of Hudson has operated in Cornwall-on-Hudson since 1996, supplying tens of millions pounds of food to families in need across Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster County. During and following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, demands for food distribution have soared and outgrown Cornwall’s facility, which often receives support from Albany County’s facility. Montgomery’s facility, once complete, will replace Cornwall’s and feature twice the storage, new technology, enhanced space, community engagement, and more locally sourced food.

“The expansion project is needed desperately right now; sadly, the need for our services is as great as ever. It didn’t end with the pandemic,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York. “I can tell you right here without even blinking that every single community in Hudson Valley, every single community has neighbors struggling with food insecurity.”

“Nearly 45,000 kids in Hudson Valley face food insecurity. Twenty five thousand kids went to school today not knowing if they were going to have anything to eat and go home not knowing if they’re going to have anything to eat,” he continued. “And over 30,000 senior citizens in the Hudson Valley face those same challenges, making decisions about paying rent, getting a prescription filled, and buying food.”

Nardacci, who spoke throughout Thursday’s ceremony, thanked everyone who helped the food bank reach this point in its construction, comprising support from state officials, partnership with local communities, and collaboration with the Town of Montgomery. The project, which is estimated to cost $23.8 million, received $14.4 million from the state through two grants, exceeding the food bank’s goals.

“In September, just in September, this committee set an ambitious goal to raise six and a half million dollars. And I’ll just say we’re well on our way to surpassing that goal,” Nardacci said. “It’s truly amazing work. This is a community project that cannot happen without the support of the community.”

Following the speeches, the food bank’s committee initiated a topping-off ceremony, signifying the completion of the facility’s framework. Numerous attendees signed a bright, yellow steel beam that the construction workers lifted into and air and installed into the building’s frame.

“We’re taking a second to celebrate finishing the risky part of the project without injury, and we’re taking pride in a job well done,” said Pat Moore, director of construction of Baxter Building, the company responsible for building the facility. “I want to say thank you to the hardworking men and women who have brought this building out of the ground and made this vision a reality.”