This month, the CFOC Nonprofit Spotlight features Catskills Agrarian Alliance (CAA), a dynamic organization committed to providing healthy, locally sourced food to communities in need throughout Otsego County. Through partnerships with local hunger organizations, CAA plays a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity while promoting sustainable agriculture.
Founded on the principles of inclusivity and empowerment, CAA is a woman and POC-led organization that prioritizes the needs of marginalized communities, including Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color. By cultivating partnerships with local farms and food producers, CAA ensures that high-quality, nutrient-dense food reaches those who need it most. Their work not only alleviates hunger but also fosters a resilient local farm economy.
This year, CAA was awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of Otsego County to expand their “Food to the People” initiative, which supplies food to 13 pantries and four meal sites across the region. The funding supports food procurement, labor costs, and logistics, enabling CAA to enhance their delivery services through innovative collaborations with organizations like the Community Cupboard Food Truck and Catholic Charities.
“Access to healthy food is a fundamental human right, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all our neighbors can access it,” said Tianna Kennedy, Co-Executive Director of CAA. “By engaging with our community and partnering with local farms, we’re not only feeding people but also working toward food sovereignty by building an engaged food system that uplifts everyone.”
CAA’s community engagement goes beyond food distribution. They actively involve community members in the decision-making process, ensuring that their programs reflect the needs and desires of those they serve. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, CAA prioritizes sourcing from BIPOC farms and works alongside conventional farms and food hubs to maximize their impact.
Over the years, CAA has forged strong partnerships with organizations such as the Otsego Hunger Coalition and Catholic Charities. By collaborating with these groups, CAA is able to reach more families and enhance the quality of food provided to the community. Their commitment to equitable food production and distribution has positioned CAA as a vital resource for food-insecure residents across Otsego County.
Content provided by Catskills Agrarian Alliance.
For those interested in supporting CAA’s mission, there are many opportunities to get involved, from volunteer efforts to participating in community events. To learn more about their work or to find out how to contribute, please contact Catskills Agrarian Alliance at info@catskillsagrarianalliance.org.
