Rockland County Non-Profits Can Now Get Help Buying Needed Equipment

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Helping those who face food insecurity is a daunting endeavor, but there is new help on the way to help Rockland County non-profits feeding the vulnerable.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. announced the launch of new Food Security Equipment Reimbursement grants which will tap $500,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support non-profits.

The Food Security Equipment Reimbursement grants will assist organizations with pantry-related equipment expenses that encourage capacity building by increasing and improving the services pantries provide to their communities. This capacity building will ultimately cultivate a more resilient network of food pantries, which can improve their ability to weather future public health emergencies, organizers say.

Eligible entities include Rockland County-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) status (excludes institutions of higher education and healthcare facilities) that experienced a decrease in revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to select organizations who meet the eligibility requirements for expenses including, but not limited to:

• Freezers
• Refrigerators
• Shelving
• Insulated Storage Sheds
• Liftgates
• Forklifts
• Pallet Jacks
• Hand Carts
• Tents
• Tables
• Outdoor Heaters
• Pantry-Related Software

Awarded organizations may be reimbursed for funds used for eligible equipment expenses incurred beginning January 1, 2024, and until the application submission period closes on May 31, 2024.

For more information and to download an application click here. Nonprofits can also contact the American Rescue Plan Act Department about the grant at this email address or 845-364-2027.