To alleviate hunger locally, C&S is supporting:
The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley in Cornwall-on-Hudson with on-going donations of food for neighbors in need. Since 2002 we estimate this represents over 3,000,000 meals.
C&S has supported The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley with grants toward the purchase of a refrigerated truck, and a program to connect families in need with fresh vegetables and fruit for healthy meals.
C&S and our employees are proud to strengthen families in the places we call home in ways that have impact:
C&S employees in Chester, Newburgh and Montgomery donated nearly 2,975 pounds of kid-friendly food to The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and learned about childhood hunger, as a part of Feeding America’s national hunger action month in 2009. Each pound of food donated by employees received a matching donation to Feeding America’s innovative Back Pack program, supplying food to children who are at-risk of hunger on days when school cafeterias are closed. C&S employees in the Hudson Valley have held an annual food drive for kids since 2003.
Our commitment to end childhood hunger is matched by an equal passion to increase educational opportunities for all children:
In partnership with First Book, C&S has donated 30,000 books to children, schools and libraries in an around Chester. One example recipient group is the Chester school district’s pre-kindergarten program. With First Book we are nurturing a love of reading and learning for children without access to books.
Recent milestones and actions in and around the Hudson Valley that focus on community and the greater good:
In 2009, pledges from C&S employees in Chester, Montgomery and Newburg to the United Way plus the corporate match totaled over $26,000, mostly to the United Way of Orange County. C&S is honored to be one of 125 United Way National Corporate Leaders.
Local investment in nonprofit groups through the C&S mini-grant program includes:
- Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer, Monticello, NY
- Independent Living, Newburgh, NY
- Chester Public Library, Chester, NY
- Town of Montgomery Food Pantry, Montgomery, NY
- Boys & Girls Club, Newburgh, NY
Our location in the Hudson Valley are taking steps to improve upon environmental sustainability and to integrate sustainable practices:
- Operations - comprehensive audits of our all distribution centers in 2009 to track energy usage, diagnose problems, and inform improvements.
- Transportation - investment in technology to reduce the number of miles traveled by our trucks, lowering fuel use and carbon emissions.
- Recycling - initiatives include paper, cardboard, wood pallets, plastic wrap, and electronics.
C&S employees are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and bring positive change to their communities. The company organizes and inspires them through:
- Make A Difference Day (a national, annual day of service) - In 2008, C&S employees from Chester and Newburgh accomplished a large-scale painting project for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and palletizing 2,000 pounds of juice. Employees in Montgomery cleaned and painted the town’s food pantry.
- Dollars for Doers - Through this program, nonprofit organizations benefit twice – once from each C&S employees’ contribution of time and again from a C&S contribution of $1 per hour volunteered.
- Team Up & Make Strides - This program supports teams of four C&S employees who team up and participate in walk-a-thons, runs, bike-a-thons and other similar events to raise awareness and funds for local charities.
