Hillside Food Outreach volunteer JayVon Downer prepares food packages for delivery to local neighbors in need.
Hillside Food Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious food to low-income and limited mobility families, seniors, and the chronically ill in Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield Counties, is calling on the community to join its mission. The organization, which provides food deliveries free of charge to over 2,000 individuals twice per month, is in urgent need of volunteers to help meet the rising demand.
Hillside Food Outreach relies on a dedicated network of more than 350 volunteers to deliver nutrient-dense groceries to those in need. The organization is seeking additional delivery volunteers to ensure that no household on its waitlist of over 100 families goes hungry. Volunteers typically deliver to up to six households, fostering trust and long-term relationships with the clients they serve.
“Hillside volunteers are a lifeline for many in our community,” said Kathy Purdy, CEO and Founder of Hillside Food Outreach. “They play a critical role in providing not only food, but also companionship and hope to those who are often isolated and struggling.” Clients include elderly residents who lack transportation and who are unable to carry heavy grocery bags, veterans, people who are housebound due to disability, and patients suffering from chronic illnesses who require healthy diets.
A recent study by the New York State Department of Health indicates that food insecurity is on the rise, with nearly one in four adults (24.9%) facing the threat of hunger. This alarming trend is part of a national issue, with more than 17 million American households experiencing food insecurity in 2022, the largest increase since the 2008 economic crisis. Hillside Food Outreach is witnessing this surge firsthand and is struggling to meet the increased demand for its services.
“Food insecurity rarely exists alone,” noted Purdy. “It can cause significant emotional and psychological distress, contributing to a deeper sense of isolation. Our mission is to combat these issues by providing nutritious food and human connection.”
Community members have several options to support Hillside Food Outreach:
- Become a Delivery Volunteer: Help deliver food directly to those in need.
- Volunteer at the Warehouse: Assist in stocking shelves and preparing deliveries.
- Make a Donation: Financial contributions are crucial for sustaining Hillside’s operations. Consider a one-time donation or join the Hunger Heroes program with a monthly contribution.
- Advocate for Change: Raise awareness about food insecurity with elected officials and push for policies that improve access to healthy food.
“Working to reduce food insecurity is a challenging task, but it’s incredibly uplifting when clients share how our food deliveries have positively impacted their health and overall quality of life,” Purdy said. “Even a few hours a month can make a significant difference. In our latest survey, 98 percent of Hillside clients reported feeling more food-secure, and 97 percent of parents said their children are eating more fruits and vegetables.”
Hillside Food Outreach is headquartered in Mount Kisco, N.Y. and operates in Fairfield County through its Danbury, CT satellite location. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call 914-747-0095 or visit hillsidefoodoutreach.org.
About Hillside Food Outreach
As food insecurity reaches its highest point nationally since the 2008 financial crisis, Hillside Food Outreach continues to deliver high-quality, nutritious groceries free of charge to low-income and limited mobility families, seniors, veterans, and the chronically ill in New York and Connecticut. What began as a micro-endeavor in 1997 by founder Kathy Purdy has grown into an essential food delivery organization, now serving more than 2,000 neighbors in need throughout Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield Counties, each and every month. For more information, visit hillsidefoodoutreach.org.
