Delgado & Brindisi Announce Six Figure Grant for Northside Market in Binghamton

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Antonio Delgado (NY-19) and Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) announced a six figure Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant for the Broome County Council of Churches. The $150,000 grant will be matched with local dollars and bring the total funding of the project to $300,000. This partnership project will allow for community groups to open a 5,000 square foot food market.

The project is made possible by a partnership of elected officials, groups of faith, and hunger advocates.

"I am pleased to join in announcing funding to address food security in Broome County," said Delgado. "The funds announced today will expand training and resources through the Broome County Council of Churches Northside Market and their Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) Works Program. This project represents a critical investment in healthy food access in a food desert, allowing families to access fresh produce in Broome County and in Southern Tier communities. I'm encouraged by this collaboration of federal and local funding to bring needed training and resources to the area."

"Too many people across the Northside of Binghamton have trouble accessing affordable and quality food," Brindisi said. "These crucial dollars and critical community partnerships will help bring food to these people and create good-paying jobs along the way. I was proud to work with Congressman Delgado, Mayor David, and all of our community groups to make this market a reality."

"The Northside Grocery is a social purpose grocery store that will not only make affordable food available to Northside residents, but also add to the network of care," said Rev. Dr. Joseph Sellepack, Executive Director of the Broome County Council of Churches. "All of the profits from the store will be rolled into food, wheelchair ramps, and other projects that will help all residents of Binghamton and the surrounding area. We are truly grateful for the support and look forward to a close relationship with our partners. Together we will help make the Northside a great place to live and work for all God's children."

The food market will create nine jobs, retail apprenticeship opportunities and provide healthy food to a community previously designated a food desert. Additionally, the Broome Council will extend their Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) Works Program and increase community-based training opportunities through the market. CHOW Works is a 12-week training program designed to lead to full-time employment that provides work experience and additional training for potential workers.

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