from the directors Dear Friends, d At the Regional Food Bank, we expanded our outreach, made many new friends, and did more than ever to help our hungry neighbors in 2017. We had a tough beginning to the year because we were in the middle of our expansion project and our offi ces and distribution dock were torn up. But we worked through the challenges, and by the second half of the year were utilizing the new space and operating much more effi ciently. We thank everyone who has supported this expansion project with fi nancial and in-kind support, and look forward to completing our capital campaign soon. We are proud and grateful that we were able to provide 38 million pounds of food to our member agencies in 2017, enough for 31 million meals. Equally rewarding is knowing the quality of that food continued to improve, with 80% consisting of meat, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and other nutritious food. I constantly hear from agencies that the fresh produce we provide is highly desired and greatly appreciated by the people they serve, and that they could never serve so many people in need if not for the Food Bank. We are committed to continue upgrading everything we do in 2018. I thank our dedicated staff , Board of Directors, volunteers, and food and fi nancial donors for caring so deeply and contributing so generously to our work. Sincerely, Mark Quandt Executive Director Photo by Vincent Giordano Photgraphy Dear Friends, In my short time with the Food Bank, I have had the great privilege to be reminded, over and over again, why this region is such a special place to live, work and raise a family. Every day, thousands of people in the Hudson Valley struggle with food insecurity – working families, senior citizens, children, even veterans. In response, thousands of people contribute time, fi nancial support or food donations to help out friends and neighbors in need. Some people are motivated by their own experiences with hunger (“I know how powdered milk tastes,” said one of our long-time volunteers). Other folks simply recognize that a daily meal is a basic human right, and that our communities are so much stronger and healthier when we all have what we need to thrive. It is a privilege to see this compassion on display as we work to alleviate hunger in the Hudson Valley. Thank you for inspiring us – and for giving us hope. Paul A. Stermer Director, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
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