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Officials praise Veterans Stand Down; food pantry reports surge in demand
Summary
Supervisors heard that the joint Veterans Stand Down drew more than 1,000 veterans and received positive state feedback; the county food pantry reported heavy usage and announced summer hours after Memorial Day.
Supervisors heard recaps of two community-service items: the Veterans Stand Down and the county food pantry's operations.
A presenter said the Veterans Stand Down—hosted jointly with Greene County and Columbia County—attracted what staff estimated as more than 1,000 veterans and earned praise from a state representative who called it one of the best they had seen. "It was really good... I've talked to a lot of people, a lot of connections," one participant said, and supervisors discussed the possibility of hosting the event in Columbia County next year.
The food pantry reported heavy demand, noting eight deliveries or pickups on a single Tuesday morning and confirming donations remain the primary supply source. Staff said summer hours will shift to 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning after Memorial Day. Volunteers, veterans and other community members staff the pantry operations. "We try to find sometimes it's busy and it's we never run out," the pantry presenter said, adding that weekly supplies can vary and staff check on donations each week.
Why it matters: The Veterans Stand Down and the food pantry provide direct services to vulnerable residents; both items drew attention to county coordination needs and volunteer support.
What's next: Board members offered to help secure venues for future events and asked pantry staff to flag supply gaps so supervisors can consider budget or donation responses.
