One nonprofit is having a noticeable impact in the center of Sullivan County, where over 28% of children live in poverty and food insecurity is on the rise. One bite at a time, Liberty-based A Single Bite is changing young people’s perceptions about food in addition to providing for families.

A Single Bite was established in 2019 by Sims and Kirsten Foster of Foster Supply Hospitality with a straightforward yet bold goal of educating neighbors and providing them with authentic, locally produced cuisine. Shocking local figures served as the reasoning for the concept. Of the 62 counties in New York, Sullivan County has the highest poverty rate in the Hudson Valley and ranks close to the bottom in terms of health outcomes.

As soon as the pandemic struck, what had begun as a dietary education program rapidly changed. A Single Bite shifted course and began providing more than 2,500 meals per week to individuals in need when schools were closed and many families were experiencing hardship. Over 900 nutritious meals, prepared from scratch and catered to family size, are still provided weekly to food-insecure families by the organization today.

The nonprofit organization opened a new 7,500-square-foot commercial kitchen at the Catskills Regional Food Hub in Liberty in 2023 as part of its expansion efforts. A Single Bite has been able to combine fresh food distribution and food education thanks to the location, which has grown crucial as local needs grow. Meal requests have increased by 30% since the start of this year alone, with 10 additional requests per week.

The organization’s Real Food Education Program, which annually reaches over 700 middle school kids, is at the heart of its activities. With only one requirement — they have to taste one bite — students are inspired to make healthier decisions as they learn the distinction between real and processed foods, as well as the origins of their food, throughout four engaging sessions.

To support learning and healthy behaviors outside of the classroom, the foundation also provides pilot programs, internships, and a new Real Food Rewards app. Summer internships and an expanding Farm to School program are fostering the development of the next generation of leaders who care about food.

The community’s support has been essential. Produce is frequently supplied by nearby farmers and food manufacturers; this year alone, 8,000 pounds of local food were contributed.

“This year we have been donating zucchini,” stated Justin Sutherland of Somewhere in Time Farms and longtime contributor. “

In the past, we have donated lots of other products like potatoes and other types of storage crops.”

Volunteers —  about 35 each week — are the organization’s backbone, preparing, packaging, and delivering meals, joining school programs, and supporting fundraising efforts.

“We’re proud to be part of a community that’s working together to solve big problems in real ways,” said Audrey Garro, Executive Director of A Single Bite. “Everything we do is about restoring dignity, sharing knowledge, and building long-term health, starting with a simple, real meal.”

As A Single Bite looks ahead, it remains focused on expanding access to local food and nutrition education, not only across Sullivan County but in other rural communities facing similar challenges. 

For more info or to donate,  you can visit asinglebite.org or contact Audrey Garro at 845-482-1030.