Second Chance Foods calls for volunteers to combat local hunger

BREWSTER, N.Y. - A chalkboard inside the entrance of Second Chance Foods’ bustling kitchen in Brewster tells the story in three simple figures: 146,891 meals created, 12,470 volunteer hours, and 286,637 pounds of food rescued so far this year. The nonprofit, which turns surplus produce and groceries into nutritious, restaurant-quality meals, is feeding thousands across Westchester and Putnam counties. Yet, according to its leaders, it could be doing even more.

Executive director Martha Elder, who co-founded Second Chance Foods in 2016, says the biggest barrier to feeding more neighbors isn’t money or food supply — it’s volunteers.

“The math is simple — the more volunteers in our kitchen, the more food we can cook,” Elder said. “In the last few weeks, our kitchen has only been able to cook around 3,000 meals compared to nearly 4,000 earlier in the month.”

Elder notes the decrease comes at a moment of increased need, following a federal government shutdown that disrupted SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans, including 75,000 Westchester residents. At the same time, local hunger remains tied to sharply rising household costs.

“One in three households in the Hudson Valley lives paycheck to paycheck,” Elder said, pointing out the paradox of widespread hunger amid waste. An estimated 40% of all food produced in the United States ends up in landfills. Second Chance Foods’ model tackles both problems by rescuing fresh produce from supermarkets and farms, then preparing meals for distribution through area social-service partners.

Elder believes the organization has found a way to turn waste into nourishment — if enough people lend a hand.

Volunteer Opportunities

Second Chance Foods offers two- and three-hour shifts most days of the week, and no cooking experience is required. Volunteers are guided by trained kitchen leaders and can assist with chopping, stirring, packing, or dishwashing.

Other Ways to Help

Those who aren’t able to volunteer can support the organization by making a tax-deductible donation, especially during the holiday season. For more information or to volunteer, visit secondchancefoods.org