Feed Your Neighbor Program

The Pawling Farmers Market has partnered with The Pawling Resource Center to identify those in need and provide food assistance for them in the form of tokens that are distributed at the weekly farmers market through our Feed Your Neighbor Program.  These tokens allow access to the fresh, local food that our vendors bring each week.  The FYN Program is alive each year through charitable donations and community partner funding. This program is a win-win because it provides fresh food to those who are struggling to put food on the table, while also supporting small family farms and, in turn, boosting the local economy.

As we are all aware, inflation has continued, even if at a more moderate level than a year ago.  Inflation particularly hurts our fixed income seniors and lower income community members.  In 2024, PFM plans to increase both the dollar amount of the FYN weekly support and the number of Pawling/Holmes families and individuals served by the FYN program.  PFM hopes to expand the program by offering at least $15 and, hopefully $20, per week and increasing the number of families and individuals assisted.  We are partnering with the Pawling Resource Center, the Pawling Recreation Center, King’s Apartments, The Hamlet at Pawling and Camino al Exito to identify and encourage qualified families and seniors to use the FYN program. 

PFM aims to raise $5,000 in private donations to support FYN.  As an incentive, one of our caring local businesses, Womanswork headed by Dorian Winslow, has again given PFM a $750 challenge grant.  Womanswork will match every dollar donated up to $750!  Your donation now will be a 2 for 1 gift! 

Every cent donated to Feed Your Neighbor goes directly to the program. 

To better understand the impact of the program, consider Marie's experience last year. Marie arrived in Pawling in November 2022 after 23 years in Florida. She knew no one in Pawling, and had limited financial resources after her husband had passed away.  She had little money for food after she paid her rent and worried how she would make ends meet.  She took a job at a nearby store as a cashier two mornings a week, and continues to work there despite experiencing significant back pain after standing for more than a short time.  

In 2023, knowing of Marie’s financial insecurity, the coordinator at her apartment complex encouraged Marie to apply for the Feed Your Neighbor (FYN) program at the Pawling Resource Center (PRC). When she applied, Marie was delighted to learn that she qualified for both the FYN program and the PRC food box program and the PRC staff helped her apply for SNAP benefits.  In one visit to the PRC and with the help of PFM, Marie’s food insecurity diminished!   

Marie came to the farmers market nearly every week to shop at her favorite vendors, Dykeman Farm, PickleLicious, and Dancing Bear.  Marie reports that she loved having fresh corn on the cob every night for dinner and pickles to share with her grandson.  Marie’s experience with the FYN program and with PRC has been so positive that, this year, she intends to volunteer to assist the FYN program.  

We are honored to help nourish families in our community while simultaneously supporting local farmers and makers. Your contribution helps us address both new and ongoing challenges and ensure that your friends, family, and neighbors who need it most are getting fresh healthy food.