Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP)

The Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) is a food and nutrition program of the New York State Department of Health. HPNAP, in partnership with food banks and emergency food relief organizations, is dedicated to improving the health and nutrition status of people in need of food assistance in New York State. The program accomplishes this by:

Enhancing the accessibility and availability of safe and nutritious food and food-related resources
Developing and providing comprehensive nutrition and health education programs
Monitoring needs and issues related to food insecurity
Empowering people to increase their independence from emergency food assistance programs

The Department of Health contracts with the Food Bank to provide grants to eligible food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters throughout our 23-county service area. HPNAP funding consists of the Food Grant, Operations Support Project (OSP), sanitation supplies and nutrition information.

HPNAP Food Grant

The HPNAP Food Grant provides eligible food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters with lines of credit at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Food Bank of the Hudson Valley.

These lines of credit cover the handling fees for nutritious items from the Food Bank’s inventory. These items are coded by asterisks (*) on the Members Guide and include such foods as cereals, juices, dairy products, proteins, and fruits and vegetables.

The HPNAP Food Grant runs from July 1 to June 30 of each year (and depends on inclusion in, and passage of, the New York State Budget). The Food Bank mails applications in early spring and notifies successful recipients in late June. The HPNAP Food Grant supplements the food supplies of emergency feeding programs and is an excellent resource for securing healthy foods from the Food Bank.

If you believe your organization is eligible for a HPNAP Food Grant and you have not received an application packet in the mail, please contact:

Susan Lintner
518-786-3691 x224
susanl@regionalfoodbank.net

Operations Support Project (OSP)

Operations Support provides food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters with cash grants of up to $3,000. Sites can apply for funds for staff, rent, transportation, utilities, disposables, and/or capital equipment.

The Operations Support Grant runs from July 1 to June 30 of each year (and depends on inclusion in, and passage of, the New York State Budget). The Food Bank mails applications in early spring and notifies successful recipients in late June. The OSP Grant supplements the costs of operating an emergency feeding program.

For those that were awarded Operations Support (OSP) funding for the 2016/17 grant year, proof of expenses are due to Kerry Leary no later than 5/31/17.  Please use the attached forms when submitting your paperwork.

If you believe your organization is eligible for a Operations Support Project (OSP) Grant and you have not received an application packet in the mail, please contact:

Kerry Leary
518-786-3691 x225
kerryl@regionalfoodbank.net

 

JAZZY’S PLACE (FOOD PANTRIES ONLY)

Jazzy’s Place is an initiative of a New York-based foundation dedicated to keeping dogs out of shelters and with the people who love them. It provides grant funding to food pantries that is put on account at the Regional Food Bank and Food Bank of the Hudson Valley to be used specifically to acquire dog food for individuals and families who are struggling to feed themselves and their dogs. Jazzy’s Place is entering the second year of its dog food initiative, and is now pleased to be able to expand this program and invite your food pantry to participate.

Grant funding may be used to acquire dog food at the regular shared maintenance fee of $0.16 per pound. Since the Food Bank’s inventory of donated dog food is limited, we also carry dog food in our inventory at a subsidized and greatly reduced price. Grant monies can only be used toward the acquisition of dog food through the Food Bank.

By completing the accompanying application, your pantry will be awarded a grant and be eligible to participate in this program. The applications will be reviewed by the foundation and they will make decisions regarding awards.

Please note: if you already receive the Jazzy Grant, you will automatically receive additional funds in 2017. There is no need to reapply.

Please review, complete, and return this application no later than October 31, 2016.