For decades, Feeding Westchester has grown, innovated, and served with compassion, ensuring neighbors in need have access to nutritious food. Our history reflects a commitment to community, dignity, and lasting impact.
Food-PATCH (People Allied to Combat Hunger) was officially incorporated as a nonprofit to create a centralized system for rescuing and distributing surplus food in Westchester County. At the time, perfectly good food was often discarded due to minor packaging flaws or approaching expiration dates, highlighting the need for a coordinated hunger relief effort.
Incorporation as a nonprofit allowed the organization to start operations with modest resources: one man and a van. Early supporters quickly began the search for a warehouse, developed organizational plans and built the foundation for Westchester’s first food bank, designed to reduce food waste and ensure access to nutritious food for neighbors in need.
1989: Building on the groundwork laid the year before, we opened our first warehouse in Mount Pleasant, marking the start of full-scale operations. That same year, we joined America’s Second Harvest (now Feeding America), expanding our reach through a national network.
1993: Food-PATCH relocated to Millwood, featuring upgraded refrigeration and storage systems. These improvements allowed us to handle greater food donations and better serve the community’s needs.
1999: The launch of the Mobile Food Pantry increased access to fresh and perishable foods across Westchester, streamlining food distribution and expanding the organization’s impact.
2007: Food-PATCH rebranded as Food Bank for Westchester to better reflect our expanded mission and scope. By this time, we were distributing more than 5 million pounds of food through 167 local programs.
2012: Food Bank for Westchester moved to Elmsford, home to the largest walk-in freezer in Westchester County, expanding food storage and distribution capabilities.
2013: We expanded our mobile pantry program with improved vehicles, increased storage, and greater capacity to reach more high-need communities.
Food Bank for Westchester rebranded as Feeding Westchester to better align with its evolving mission and vision. The new name reflected our broader scope and commitment to addressing hunger across Westchester County.
This also marked our 30th anniversary, a milestone to reflect on strides in providing nutritious food and set a vision for greater impact ahead.
As a member of Feeding America, we contribute to a network providing nearly 6 billion meals to more than 47 million neighbors each year.
2020: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we doubled distribution to meet unprecedented demand. Families and individuals facing heightened challenges were able to put food on their tables.
We expanded emergency partnerships with agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations. With support from the National Guard, who helped manage logistics and distribution, we met the crisis head-on.
2023–2025: Feeding Westchester’s Distribution Center expanded in four phases: 12,000 sq. ft. staging space, 6,500 sq. ft. office expansion, 2,500 sq. ft. cooler capacity, and 6,800 sq. ft. dry storage plus expanded loading docks.
Present Day: We are a passionate, mission-driven organization nourishing neighbors in need. Thousands of families across Westchester County can put healthy food on the table thanks to decades of support.
Due to weather conditions, our office will be closed on Monday, February 23. We have coordinated with our partners and made the necessary arrangements.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our work across Westchester.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our offices are closed today, January 19. Food donation drop-off remains open, and your support helps ensure neighbors across Westchester have access to fresh, healthy food.
