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Ulster County approves $100,000 ‘Victory Garden’ pilot to boost local food access
Summary
The committee approved a $100,000 pilot to fund four community resilience projects (approx. $25,000 each) to support community kitchens and demonstration gardens, with Cornell Cooperative Extension identified as a likely collaborator for technical support; members pressed for clarity on administration and oversight.
The Ulster County Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee approved Resolution 244 to amend the 2026 county budget and establish a $100,000 pilot 'Victory Garden Preservation Program' to prioritize local food access and community resilience.
Under the pilot, the legislature intends to allocate four grants of roughly $25,000 apiece to community centers or other eligible community organizations to support kitchen upgrades, demonstration gardens and associated education programs. The sponsor said the program is intended to pair capital support with education and to leverage Cornell Cooperative Extension for technical assistance and project selection.
Legislator Nolan and others raised questions about eligibility in certain districts, the need for an administrator or fiscal agent to manage grants, and whether grant recipients would be municipalities, non‑profits or other entities. The sponsor said grant administration details — including whether Cornell Cooperative Extension would receive a portion for administration or whether individual centers would sign contracts directly — would be settled during the RFP and contracting phase.
“Once that funding is secured by the community center, it’s at their discretion how to use the funding and there would be executive oversight and Cornell Cooperative Extension oversight to make sure the money is spent well,” the sponsor said during discussion.
County staff noted the funding would come from the legislative contingency line intended for pilot initiatives. After debate the committee voted to approve the pilot.
What’s next: program design, an RFP or application process, and an administrative plan (including oversight and reporting) will be developed by county economic development and partners; Cornell Cooperative Extension was named as an expected technical partner.
Provenance: Resolution discussion and vote: SEG 1946–SEG 2380.
