2023 Impact report

Working towards a

graphic of ZERO in red, the O is replaced with a plate with a bite taken out of it and a yellow fork and knife are at the end.

Hunger Community

Last year, we collected over

200001 pounds

of surplus food from local grocery stores, wholesalers, farms - including:

With additional donations and support from: Richard Robbins & the Second Chance Foods Pantry Garden, The Cornell Cooperative Glean Team, Private Orchards - thanks to Orchardist Alan Haigh, Fishkill Farms, Long Haul Farm, and all our Generous Home Growers

Some of that food was transformed with love and care into

40000

restaurant-quality, nutrient-dense, meals including recipient favorites like

But, did you know? Not all of our recovered food is cooked.

icon of hands holding grocery bag on green circle
40000

pounds of produce, dairy, eggs, meat, bread, and other food was intentionally left fresh to add more options in eating, variety, and autonomy for those we serve.

pounds of produce, dairy, eggs, meat, bread, and other food was intentionally left fresh
to add more options in eating, variety, and autonomy for those we serve.

Meals and groceries were delivered

200 times

over the year at 22 different locations to help nourish over

40000

Children, Families, Seniors, Veterans, and Neighbors in Need

All of this nourishing food was connected with those in need thanks to our hunger-relief partnerships across Putnam, Westchester, Dutchess, and Orange Counties in New York
- and even one in Danbury, Connecticut.

But that's not all!

Because of the food we recovered and kept out of the landfill we avoided

20 Tons

of CO2 that’s like 36 passenger cars driving for one year!

10 %

of the food used in our meals is surplus food
and would have been otherwise wasted.

10000

pounds of food was collected from our food partners
and passed on as compost or used to feed animals!

We even changed the mailed Impact Report to better reflect our commitment to Environmental Sustainability. It used less paper, was printed on post-consumer paper with sustainable ink, and carbon offset shipping!

All of this impact was only possible thanks to over 300
hard working, dedicated, and passionate volunteers who gave more than

icon of hands with heart above on blue circle
800 Hours

of time driving, gleaning, chopping, cooking, delivering,
and providing essential professional services to help us advance.

Thank You to All Our Incredible Volunteers!

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported our mission to rescue and redistribute surplus food to those in need. Partnership is at the core of achieving our mission; again this year, we’ve seen the power of community. Your dedication has been the driving force behind our success, and I am filled with immense appreciation for the positive impact we have collectively made on the lives of our hungry neighbors. We have learned to recognize the abundance surrounding us and use it to strengthen and sustain lives in our community." - Martha Elder, Executive Director

2023 Highlights and Spotlights

It's been (over) a Year of Growth!

“I have never eaten so well, or such a variety of food, until I started receiving deliveries from Second Chance Foods.” -Community Supported Nutrition Recipient

Financial Growth & Community Support

Thank you to everyone who donated and makes our work possible!

Individual Giving

By Number of Donors

No Data Found

Public Support

By Donation Type

No Data Found

Program Expenses

2023 & 2024

No Data Found

2024 Financial Challenges & Opportunities

  • 226% increase in rent
  • Over $100k in one time costs to move and renovate our new facility.

Increased Expenses = Increased Impact!

  • + 15% more fresh groceries
  • + 15-20% more nutrient-dense meals
  • More access points in community
  • Increased efficiency & response

Over eight years of

Elevating the Health of People & the Planet through Food Rescue

Will you join us in breaking the cycle of food waste?

A Letter from our Executive Director

Dear Second Chance Foods Community,

 

As I reflect on this past year, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported our mission to rescue and redistribute surplus food to those in need. Partnership is at the core of achieving our mission; again this year, we’ve seen the power of community. Your dedication has been the driving force behind our success, and I am filled with immense appreciation for the positive impact we have collectively made on the lives of our hungry neighbors. We have learned to recognize the abundance surrounding us and use it to strengthen and sustain lives in our community.

 

I look forward to the coming year, when we will continue, and expand, our work addressing the profound inequities in our food system. 2024 is a year of new beginnings! We are excited about settling into our new space, which will enable us to increase our operations, allowing us to rescue even more fresh, healthy food, create more meals, and distribute more groceries to those facing food insecurity. It is a testament to the unwavering support of our community that we can take this bold step forward. Our new home will serve as a hub of compassion and generosity, fostering a brighter future for those in need.

 

As we embark on this journey and continue daring to imagine alternatives that prioritize the needs of our community, let us work together with renewed enthusiasm and determination. Our collective efforts have the power to create positive change, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. With your ongoing support, Second Chance Foods will continue to be a beacon of hope, providing nourishment and sustenance to those who need it most.

 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Contact Us

Looking for food?

Though we wish we could nourish everyone in need, Second Chance Foods does not directly distribute meals or groceries to individuals at this time. We utilize existing programs in the community and supplement their food with our meals and groceries. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please refer to our resource page here for our partnerships and local options.

Mailing Address:

P.O.Box 93
Carmel, NY 10512

Kitchen Address:

120 Marvin Ave Brewster, NY 10509

*please note we do not keep "hours" at the kitchen at this time. If you are looking to donate food please contact Kathryn@SecondChanceFoods.org or call 845-723-1302

Phone:

General Questions please contact Associate Director Stephanie Purcell 845-723-1311

Volunteer Questions contact Volunteer Coordinator Heather Marinelli 845-723-1309

Contact Form


Second Chance Foods is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EIN# 81-0996695