November 1st, 2023
Construction on food pantry will begin early 2024
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced an investment of more than $4.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds (ARPA) to Trillium Health for necessary upgrades to expand their food pantry program, making it one of the largest food programs in the region. ARPA funds are being used to renovate the existing food pantry, increase the volume of food being offered, support full-time staff, and purchase a large freezer/cooler for storage at their 259 Monroe Avenue location. Trillium Health is also using ARPA funds to open two mini food pantries at satellite locations to assist families in need.
“Food insecurity is a major concern in Monroe County. This ARPA funding is a way for Trillium Health’s patients to get a healthier variety of food at no cost while giving families the option to choose what they want. Monroe County fully supports Trillium Health’s mission of a holistic approach to a healthier community,” said County Executive Bello. “Thank you to my colleagues at the County Legislature for approving this funding and Congressman Morelle and Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for securing these transformative funds.”
Additionally, ARPA funds will be used to hire Medical Case Managers who will help provide healthcare coverage and other supportive services for individuals. Trillium staff will ensure that everyone who walks through the doors receives medical care and assistance with the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes – such as food, housing, and transportation.
“Trillium Health and its staff are providing an essential service to our community. Every family deserves to have good quality food on their table and no one should have to stress over providing such resources,” said Monroe County Legislature Minority Leader Yversha Roman.
“I am delighted to join in announcing nearly $5 Million in ARPA funds to support Trillium Health, their remodeling/expansion of their Food Pantry, and the expansion of Medical Case Managers to better connect patients and residents to the services and resources they need,” said Vice-President Sean M. Delehanty. “With higher costs in so many aspects of our neighbors’ lives, services like Trillium’s Food Pantry are needed now more than ever. I am grateful for their leadership and staff for all they do for this community and look forward to all this important funding boost will allow for going forward – thank you to County Executive Bello, my partners in the Legislature, and all those who helped make this a reality.”
“Trillium Health is grateful to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, the Monroe County Legislature, Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Joe Morelle for allocating ARPA funds to support our food program and connect individuals to care,” said Jason Barnecut-Kearns, President and CEO of Trillium Health. “Food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse social and health outcomes, and it’s increasingly considered a critical public health issue. The ARPA funds will allow us to significantly expand the number of people that we serve in our food program. It will also help to support our Medical Care Managers, who will connect members of the community to a variety of programs and services, leading to a fully comprehensive approach to healthcare. At Trillium Health, we’re proud to serve everyone that walks through our doors regardless of their ability to pay – ensuring that everyone receives the high quality, compassionate, judgment-free care that they deserve.”
A 2021 report by Feeding America states there are 92,790 people in Monroe County who are food insecure, which is 12.4% of the population.
According to the Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) Reports from 2021, the top barrier for food insecure residents is affordability and lack of access to healthier options. These barriers in areas of the county considered “food deserts” can cause chronic illnesses such as obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
In the past year, the Trillium Health Food Pantry has served more than 1,300 people — providing 4,500 meals with an estimated 300,000 pounds of food. Trillium Health operates a client choice “grocery store” model that treats individuals with dignity and respect. This model results in less food waste, encourages healthy eating, and provides food for the correct number of people within the household. Trillium Health follows the USDA Nutritional Guidelines for a balanced meal plan.
This project was selected as part of Bring Monroe Back, Monroe County’s plan that utilizes federal funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Through the efforts of Congressman Joseph D. Morelle, and Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Monroe County is the recipient of $144,080,127 in local fiscal recovery funds.
“Establishing resources for those facing food insecurity is an investment in the well-being of our community,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Food pantries serve as a lifeline for countless families facing hunger, and I’m proud to have secured this funding to support Trillium’s effort. I appreciate Country Executive Bello’s commitment to fostering a more compassionate community and look forward to our continued work creating solutions to ensure no one goes to bed hungry.”
“So many members of the community rely on Trillium Health for their outstanding, equitable, and affordable care,” said US Senator Charles Schumer. “I applaud County
Executive Bello for utilizing the funds I secured for local governments in the American Rescue Plan Act to address food insecurity and ensure Monroe County residents have access to this most basic need. Thanks to their innovative grocery store model, the Food Cupboard will allow community members to choose their food options and connect them with the many other services that Trillium provides to those most in need.”
“Every year, many Americans struggle to put food on the table, and food insecurity remains an issue for thousands of Monroe County residents,” said Senator Kristen Gillibrand. “Trillium Health’s upgraded food pantry will continue to combat food insecurity and ensure that patients in need of care are receiving holistic treatment that addresses their material needs. I’m proud to have helped secure federal funding to support the renovation of this space, and I will continue the fight to make sure that New York children and families have access to affordable, healthy food. I applaud County Executive Bello for this investment, and I look forward to the impact this larger facility will have on the community.”
Construction on the food pantry is scheduled to be completed by the Spring 2024. Trillium Health will be increasing its food distribution during the holiday season.
The Trillium Health Food Pantry is open at the following days and times:
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Mondays: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
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Wednesdays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
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Thursdays: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
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Fridays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, call (585) 545-7200. Please visit trilliumhealth.org/food for more information.
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