WEST POINT, N.Y. – Keller Army Community Hospital (Keller) is stepping up to address food insecurity in the Greater Hudson Valley with the launch of a comprehensive food donation program.
By forging a vital partnership with the Regional Food Bank of New York (RFB) and its own Nutrition Care Division, Keller aims to repurpose prepared and wholesome foods, ensuring they reach individuals and families in need rather than ending up in landfills.
This initiative, spearheaded by Capt. Jacquelyn Contant, Chief of Keller’s Nutrition Care Division, aligns with (1) Keller's commitment to community well-being and leverages existing resources to make a significant difference; and (2) the Army Food Program that encourages the donation of excess prepared, yet wholesome, food to approved non-profit organizations.
“The diligence of our Nutrition Care team provides Keller a fantastic opportunity to contribute directly to the well-being of the communities that have long supported West Point and those that work and reside here,” said Col. Sean J. Hipp, Commander, Keller Army Community Hospital. “We are committed to minimizing waste and maximizing our impact by ensuring good food reaches those who need it most.”
Keller’s Nutrition Care Division plays a crucial role in the program's success. Working together with the RFB, they will identify and prepare excess, edible food for donation, ensuring it meets stringent safety and quality standards. The donation process is designed to be seamless and cost-effective for Keller, focusing on maximizing the volume of food donated with minimal disruption to existing operations.
Pictured (from l-r) is Capt. Jacquelyn Contant, Chief, Nutrition Care Division; Maj. Andrew Neubecker, Deputy Commander for Administration; Command Sgt. Maj. Julie C. Morris, Command Sergeant Major; Joe Zinko, RFBoNY volunteer; and Col. Sean J. Hipp, Commander. VIEW ORIGINAL
The Regional Food Bank of NY serves 23 counties, including Orange County (NY), offering a well-established infrastructure for distributing food to those in need. While the RFB doesn't directly serve the public, it acts as a vital conduit, supplying food to a network of soup kitchens, food pantries, senior centers, school pantries, back-pack programs, and churches, ensuring widespread reach within the community. The partnership with Keller will increase their ability to meet the growing demand for food assistance across the region.
This initiative is designed to be the first step of a bigger relationship between West Point and RFB. The vision is to expand the food donation collection throughout West Point, encouraging other organizations that prepare wholesome food to participate. By pooling resources and working collaboratively, the entire West Point community can contribute to a significant reduction in food waste and a substantial increase in support for food-insecure individuals and families.
“Victory, in my eyes, is for every organization at West Point, that serves food, to join us in this effort,” said Contant. “Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those facing hunger in our community. This commitment underscores the hospital's dedication to not only providing healthcare but also fostering a healthier and more equitable community for all.”
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