Rockland County, NY- Assembly Member Patrick Carroll, former Assembly Member Kenneth Zebrowski, the United Way of Rockland County, and the Rockland Campaign Against Hunger (RCAH) yesterday announced that vital equipment was secured for 19 Rockland food pantries. Former Assembly Member Zebrowski allocated a $75,000 capital grant to the United Way and RCAH that provided equipment to pantries across the county. Assembly Member Carroll assisted with the grant continuation after taking office in December 2024. The grant provided pantries with 11 refrigerators, 9 freezers, one stove, and dozens of carts, shelving, hand trucks, and tables.

The announcement follows the federal government’s cuts to SNAP benefits through the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). An analysis of the impact estimates that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers will see a reduction in benefits, or have their benefits eliminated entirely. As benefits are cut, demand for emergency food assistance is likely to surge, putting a strain on food pantries.

Even prior to the cuts to SNAP benefits, Rockland County has seen a significant increase in residents utilizing food pantry services. The number of Rockland County residents served by food pantries has more than doubled in the last five years, according to RCAH.

“In the past five years, all 44 of the food pantries in Rockland County have provided over seven million pounds of food to thousands of Rocklanders,” said Assembly Member Patrick Carroll. I’m thankful to former Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowksi for allocating this grant and I’m proud I was able to assist with finalizing the grant after taking office. With the federal government putting the neediest New Yorkers at risk with these cuts to SNAP benefits, our state needs to step up and fill in the gap. Our community organizations are not just addressing hunger; they’re providing nutritious food and helping our neighbors in need. It is my hope that this equipment will improve their ability to serve our communities and the many individuals and families who rely on their resources.”

"All pantries in Rockland are seeing an ever-increasing number of families so this equipment was vital to increase capacity and create efficiencies ahead of what we all expect will be a worsening of food needs in our community," said Stephen Papas, CEO of United Way of Rockland.

“Rockland Community Against Hunger (RCAH) has worked tirelessly to provide over 1 million pounds of healthy nutritious food to over 40 food pantries in Rockland County each year. These pantries collectively serve over 85,000 people per month. However, we realized that many pantries could not accept fresh produce, dairy or meat because they lack the proper refrigeration and storage. Thanks to former Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski and Assemblyman Patrick Carroll, these pantries can now provide more healthy nutritious food to so many in need,” said Anita Dreichler, Coordinator, Rockland Community Against Hunger.