Hilltop Hanover Farm Receives Grant To Fight Food Insecurity

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY — A Westchester County working farm received a grant that will help address food insecurity in the county. Because demand at food pantries in Westchester has doubled since the start of the new coronavirus outbreak, the Westchester Community Foundation awarded Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center a grant of $32,000.

Officials said the grant will allow the farm to employ a volunteer coordinator who will work to meet the needs of its community partners and coordinate harvests and manage distribution at the farm.

Additionally, the volunteer coordinator will work to develop the "Grow a Row program, which will connect backyard farmers with surplus crops to those in need.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer thanked the foundation for the grant and said he looks forward to increasing food distribution efforts at the farm.

"During these difficult times, it's important that we come together to support our neighbors, many of who may be experiencing food insecurity for the first time," he said.

The grant will also allow Hilltop Hanover Farm to purchase needed equipment and supplies, including a large refrigerator, which will keep produce fresher longer, resulting in less waste.

Shanyn Siegel, the farm and environmental center's director, said that, last year, more than 15,000 pounds of produce was donated to food pantries and soup kitchens.

"This grant will be tremendously helpful to increasing our production of fresh, local produce as we continue to see an increased demand across the county," she said.

According to its website, Hilltop Hanover Farm is a working farm and environmental education center operated by Westchester County in partnership with the Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm.

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