Second Chance Foods wins committee support for $10,000 county transfer as demand rises

Second Chance Foods asked the Putnam County Legislature for a sub-contingency transfer on Aug. 25, 2025 to help cover rising demand and a loss of federal funding; the legislature advanced the $10,000 transfer to the full body. What the nonprofit reported: Executive Director Martha Elder told legislators the group operates 17 distribution points across the county and, "Through May, we'd already distributed for free over 100,000 pounds of groceries...and almost 80,000 meals through July." Elder said food inflation and a federal cut of roughly $70,000 in previously promised funding increased the group's financial pressure. Why the county is considering funds: Legislators said the program serves seniors, families and the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) population, and that the county has supported similar outside agencies in the past. "$2,000,000 to ask for $10,000 with this program that is supporting our seniors, our farmers...is amazing," Legislator Erin said in support of the request. Outcome: The rules committee and then the audit committee advanced the item; committee records show the transfer will be placed on the full-lawmaking agenda for final action. Taper: County leaders encouraged Second Chance Foods to continue fundraising and community partnerships; staff and legislators said they will watch federal funding developments and may consider further county assistance if the need remains acute.