Second Chance Foods Sets Hudson Valley Gives Record by Raising Over $100,000

MONTGOMERY, NY (June 25, 2026) –Second Chance Foods, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity in the Hudson Valley, achieved a historic milestone during this year’s Hudson Valley Gives by raising $107,446 amongst 470 donors, the highest amount raised by an organization in the history of the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland’s annual giving day. Of the $1,308,970 raised during this year’s Hudson Valley Gives, Second Chance Foods’ record-breaking campaign accounted for over 8% of funds raised this year.

Based in Brewster, Second Chance Foods addresses food insecurity and the surplus of food waste in the region through partnerships with farms, grocers and food distributors, ensuring those who need it have access to fresh food by preparing healthy and delicious meals and distributing to those in need. As of today, they have recovered over 2.8 million pounds of fresh food that would have otherwise been discarded and redirected the food to people who are experiencing food insecurity.

"Second Chance Foods' success is an inspiring example of all that is possible when an organization combines a compelling mission with passionate supporters," said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland. "Their campaign not only set a new fundraising record but also demonstrated the extraordinary impact of engaging supporters as advocates for a cause."

A key driver of Second Chance Foods’ success was their strong emphasis on peer-to-peer fundraising. Of $107,446 raised, $65,956 came through individual fundraising pages and of 470 donors, 401 donated to a fundraising page. Second Chance Foods board member, Mike Samuelson, was a key player in fundraising efforts, raising over $12,000 amongst his networks.

“I’m really glad I got to be part of Hudson Valley Gives and rally support for Second Chance Foods - a cause that means so much to me,” says Samuelson. “It’s such a special moment for our community, with so much generosity and energy all in one day. It’s inspiring to see people come together like that, and I’m truly thankful to everyone who contributed and made it happen.”

Second Chance Foods’ campaign serves as a model for nonprofit organizations that are looking to maximize their impact through Hudson Valley Gives. By engaging board members, volunteers, supporters and staff to become ambassadors for their mission, Second Chance Foods expanded their reach, engaged new donors and hit new fundraising goals.

Celebrating its 11th year, Hudson Valley Gives is the region’s largest day of giving. Created by the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland, the goal of this day is to provide nonprofits serving Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties with the platform to increase visibility for their mission and reach new donors. Since inception, the event has raised over $6.8 million to support charitable organizations in the Hudson Valley. For more information on Hudson Valley Gives, visit www.hvgives.org.

About the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland: Based in Montgomery, NY, the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland connects people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1999, the Foundation helps philanthropic individuals, businesses and organizations establish charitable funds that will award grants and scholarships, for good, forever. The Foundation has significantly increased the region’s charitable capital and has empowered donors to make a profound difference in the quality of life in our region. Since its inception, the Foundation, with its donors and fund representatives, has awarded nearly $45 million in grants and scholarships. The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland currently administers 620 active charitable funds that represent nearly $71 million in assets to support animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health and human services, recreation, and youth. To learn more, visit cfosrny.org.

###