The Hillside Food Outreach program has become a pillar of compassion and community in Westchester County. Founded with a vision to address the issue of food insecurity, this initiative embodies a spirit of empathy and service.
Led by CEO and Founder, Kathleen Purdy, the program operates with a singular goal in mind: providing essential food assistance to those in need. Through a network of dedicated volunteers and the support of local partners, Hillside Food Outreach became a lifeline for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. With its commitment to ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry, Hillside continues to make a palpable difference by delivering food directly to the doors of those in need.
Founded on family
To honor her grandmother’s legacy, Kathleen Purdy began this program in 1997. Kathleen witnessed her grandmother’s generosity towards her neighbors by sharing food and other essentials when she knew they couldn’t make ends meet. Therefore, this became a deeply personal mission for Kathleen to combat food insecurity in her community.
The senior citizens in her grandmother’s community were like many others. They primarily depended on Social Security income, and many faced the choice between food and other essentials like medicine. To ease their burden, Kathleen herself helped deliver food to her grandmother’s complex. And then through word of mouth, she was soon bombarded with calls from others seeking support. Over the next five years, word of Kathleen’s work spread like wildfire.
It became clear that many people, ranging from the ill to those lacking transportation, the disabled, and elderly frail individuals, were unable to access local food pantries and obtain sufficient nutrition.
Kathleen Purdy – Founder/CEO of Hillside Food Outreach
With the need evident, Kathleen had to make a decision. Either stop taking calls or become a 501(c)(3) non-profit to get her own help in maintaining a structured delivery service. Thus, Hillside Food Outreach was created.
This delivery-only food pantry now provides high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, staples, and essentials to those who find it difficult to travel and carry grocery bags; those who are housebound due sickness or disability; and people with health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension who require nutritious diets.
Helping people where they are
According to Hillside Outreach Program demographics, throughout Westchester County, Putnam County, and Fairfield County, over 2,000 individuals are helped each month. 578 households were in Westchester County alone. Of those, 226 of those are in Yonkers representing 76 seniors, 163 adults and 235 children.
- 98% of clients reported an increased feeling of food security
- 97% of parents stated their children are steadily eating more fruits and vegetables
- 83% of those with high blood pressure reported improved/stabilized symptoms
- 79% of people who deal with depression reported they were feeling their moods increase due to Hillsides deliveries
- 82% of elderly and disabled clients reported that they could not continue living independently if not for Hillside’s food deliveries.
- 75% of clients reported monthly food deliveries have significantly improved their overall quality of life.
Hillside Food Outreach continues to have a substantial impact on the lives of many of our Westchester residents in need. We deliver them food that they would otherwise have gone without – food that is good for them, that will make them stronger, healthier and have an impact on their lives and friendships. Our volunteers help eliminate the feeling in those we serve that they are all alone, which is something we all need.
Kathleen Purdy CEO-Hillside Food Outreach
The visit with the Mayor
The Mayor of Yonkers, Mike Spano, joined founder Kathy Purdy and volunteer Renee Redmond on one of their many food deliveries in Yonkers on Wednesday, February 28th. During her regular delivery, northwest Yonkers resident Norma Vanable thanked Hillside for the deliveries they’ve made to her home for the past four years.
Thank you to Hillside Food Outreach for being a resource in our community to help our neighbors
Mike Spano – Mayor of Yonkers
With Kathleen Purdy’s dedication and the tireless efforts of volunteers, Hillside Food Outreach has blossomed from a personal mission into a vital support system for thousands of individuals and families across our community. It’s clear that their commitment to ensuring no one goes hungry has touched countless lives. But it provides not just nourishment, but also hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to those in need. Together, we can continue to build a brighter, more compassionate future for our neighbors.
If you need food assistance, or would like to help Hillside in their mission please visit their website: https://hillsidefoodoutreach.org
**update** The initial version of this story did not include the information regarding Mayor Mike Spano’s visit as we had not yet received those details.
