A woman tallies pedestrians and cyclists as part of the annual counts.

The Health and Wellness Department of the City of Kingston measures how many people are walking and bicycling in two ways. An annual, in-person, paper count and two permanently installed infrared counters. We collect this data to determine trends, understand the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, and for grant applications. 

The annual counts are usually conducted in the third week of September. Pre-selected locations are counted for two hours on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-6 pm, and on Saturday from 12-2 pm. A volunteer tallies every time a person crosses the street or rides through the intersection. The count is based on the methodology developed by the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project. 

The counts are conducted by volunteers from the Complete Streets Advisory Council (CSAC) and other groups, but additional volunteers are always needed! We provide training and count forms for volunteers. Email Emily to find out more or sign up to help! 

The infrared counters are located at locations on the Greenline network of trails. The counters use infrared light to detect movement past their sensors. These are recorded and downloaded regularly. No personal information or photos are taken. 

Powerful things are blossoming in Kingston – fresh, delicious meals, creative programs, and a whole lot of community love. Supported by the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) grant, this storytelling series featuring 9 interviews with 10 community members uplifts the powerful work already happening across Kingston. These stories remind us that wellness begins in kitchens, on sidewalks, at community meetings, and in the relationships we grow together. By listening intently and honoring community expertise, we can build systems that reflect the lives, needs and dreams of those most impacted. This is a love letter to that kind of care: creative, rooted, collective, and ongoing.

Check out all of the posts on our Live Well Kingston Instagram and Facebook pages (shared June 9-20, 2025), or our Special Edition newsletters, Seeds of Change (In Our Schools) and Harvests of Care (In Our Community).

Find The Stories In The Media

Daily Freeman- ‘Kingston Spotlights’ showcases residents tackling food insecurity, health disparities

Radio Kingston/I Want What She Has- 381 Kingston Spotlights with Kristin Kessler

Radio Kingston/The Black Meta- The INTERVIEW: THE RE-RETURN of KRISTIN KESSLER, RDN, CDN, CYT … City of Kingston Food & Nutrition Lead Project Manager!

Kingston Wire- ‘Kingston Spotlights’ Demonstrates How Community Can Be A Verb

Interested In Featuring Our Campaign?

We’d love to uplift, amplify, or otherwise celebrate the incredible work of our incredible friends and neighbors. If you agree with us that local stories are powerful, impactful, and important, and are interested in sharing on your media platform please contact:

Kristin Kessler, RDN, CDN, CYT

Food & Nutrition Lead, Department of Health and Wellness, City of Kingston

kkessler@kingston-ny.gov 845-334-3917

A Big Serving Of Gratitude

Thank you to everyone who was a part of the creation of this project, including:

Storytelling Team

Mae Ryan, Photographer & Documentary Filmmaker
Sevaad Walker, Media Creator & Marketing Lead
Agatha Bacelar, Media Creator & Ethical Storytelling Lead
Andrea Lubrano, Nutritionist & Consultant

Interviewees

Claudette Ford
Devon Wood
Emmet Moeller
Jana Conti
Jason and Emily Daniels
Joe Baganz
Kate Berardi
Melissa Parker
Roselyn Vargas

CHSC team

Ninette Warner
Tracy Snyder
Emily Flynn
Kristin Kessler

This project was supported with funds from the New York State Department of Health’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant.

Breathing New Life into a Historic Corner

Post Office Park is taking shape on a site once home to the former Kingston Post Office, and while the building itself is gone, its legacy will live on. The park’s design incorporates concrete elements that reference the architecture and significance of the original post office. Future designs could include a welcoming arch and benches that take inspiration directly from the building’s facade, recreating the Post Office steps and arches. The community also asked for a fountain on the Millard Building side. Recognizing the many cultures and ancestries that have enriched Kingston’s history, the park design intends to honor those who came before us and their descendants.

Designed with Purpose and People in Mind

From the ground up, Post Office Park is being built to invite connection, relaxation, and exploration. The park featured new sidewalks and meandering paths that welcome pedestrians and cyclists alike, encouraging movement and accessibility for all.

The landscape brings nature into the urban setting with the planting of carefully selected native trees, shrubs, and perennials. A pine tree, circled by bluestone, represents the Tree of Peace, a high significance for the Native Americans. The Broadway corridor has been a path for traveling since before Europeans set foot on the soil.

An interpretive sign briefly tells the story of the former Kingston Post Office and its importance to the local community.

Game tables have been installed for chess, checkers, and other community favorites, promoting informal socializing and multigenerational engagement.

Benches throughout the park will offer comfortable spots to pause, meet friends, and enjoy a coffee or hot dog.

For those arriving on two wheels, bicycle racks will make the park a convenient and safe stop along the Greenline system of trails and complete streets.

A Park for Everyone

Post Office Park is more than a beautification project—it’s a community investment. By integrating elements that reflect the area’s history and meet the needs of today’s residents, Kingston is creating a welcoming space that fosters civic pride, encourages outdoor activity, and enhances the city’s walkability.

As construction continues, residents and visitors alike can look forward to enjoying this thoughtfully crafted green space. Whether you’re playing a game, learning a bit of local history, or simply soaking in the scenery, Post Office Park promises to be a new favorite destination in Kingston.

Investing in Health and Community Through Strategic Funding

The development of Post Office Park has been made possible through a combination of strategic planning and public investment. The initial vision and planning for the park were supported by funding from the New York State Department of Health’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) program, which aims to foster healthier, more active communities through improved access to physical activity and nutritious food. The construction phase was funded through a blend of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources, reflecting a strong commitment to community revitalization and equitable access to public spaces.

Stay tuned for updates and opening announcements as this exciting project nears completion!

A Win-Win for Students, Farmers, and the Whole Community

In recent years, Farm to School programs have gained momentum as a way to promote healthy eating, support local farmers, and enhance agricultural education. These programs connect schools with local farms to provide fresh, nutritious foods for school meals while integrating agriculture into the curriculum through school gardens and classroom education. Kingston City School District (KCSD) has been dabbling in farm to school activities for a few years and is starting to take a deeper dive. Recently, a farm to school working group was formed through the KCSD wellness committee. The benefits of farm to school programs are extensive, positively impacting students, farmers, and communities alike.

1. Supporting the Local Economy & Environment

KCSD has partnered with Rondout Valley Growers Association (RVGA) to procure hyperlocal produce grown right here in the Hudson Valley as well as other New York State grown products. By purchasing food from local and regional farmers, schools contribute to the economic sustainability of their communities. This direct support helps small and mid-sized farmers thrive, keeping agricultural traditions alive and reducing dependency on large-scale, industrial food systems. It also strengthens local economies by keeping food dollars within the community. Sourcing food locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. This helps create a more resilient food system that benefits both people and the planet.

2. Agricultural and Nutrition Education

Farm to School programs incorporate hands-on learning opportunities, such as school gardens, farm visits, and cooking classes. KCSD is rich in community partnerships that provide agricultural experiences and nutrition education. Many schools at KCSD have vegetable gardens run by volunteers or have partnerships with outside organizations like Land to Learn that help integrate gardening into the curriculum. Children learn about nutrition during physical education class through SNAP-Ed where nutrition educators come right into the classroom to do engaging hands on lessons. The Kingston YMCA Farm Project also offers free field trips to one of the KCSD schools. These experiences help students understand where their food comes from and encourage them to explore foods they might not have access to otherwise. Furthermore, engaging students in this type of learning encourages curiosity and enhances subjects like science, math, and environmental studies.

3. Healthier Meals for Students

One of the most immediate benefits of Farm to School programs is the improvement in school meal quality. The Kingston Eats Harvest of the Month campaign is thriving in the district, with it being featured on the menu at least twice a month and procured locally when possible. By sourcing fresh, local produce, schools can offer students nutrient-dense meals with freshly picked produce. Of course, students need to actually eat the produce before they reap the nutritional benefits! The Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant helps support KCSD by providing training and technical assistance to teachers and parents on how to engage students in trying new fruits and vegetables and how to hold taste tests. Engaging students is the key to success; when more students participate in the free lunch program and choose the local items, more of the school meal budget can be put towards buying local in the future!

4. Stronger School and Community Connections

Farm to School initiatives foster relationships between schools, students, parents, and local farmers. Kingston is rich in both its agriculture and its community based organizations. These programs encourage community involvement through farmers’ markets, and volunteer opportunities in school gardens and harvest celebrations like JFK’s annual “Spinach Fest.” Such engagement strengthens the ties between urban and rural areas, creating a sense of shared responsibility for healthy food access.

Creating a Healthier Future for All

Farm to School programs are a powerful way to improve student health, support local agriculture, and strengthen community connections. By embracing these initiatives, schools can cultivate a new generation of informed eaters while fostering sustainable food systems. Investing in Farm to School programs can be a step toward creating a healthier, more resilient future for all.

For more information, reach out to Ninette Warner, at nw293@cornell.edu.

The City of Kingston is excited to share about its updated Healthy Vending Guidelines and brand new vending machines from local food company, Ruby Mae Soul. Located in eight municipal buildings across the city, these machines will have options that are not only nourishing for the body, but also for our communities and planet. These guidelines support the City in demonstrating a commitment to the health of all community members through healthy food choices that are easy and affordable!

Highlights: 

• The City’s new vending machines will be stocked with healthy snacks and drinks in 8 buildings, including 5 public buildings, such as City Hall and the Parks & Rec buildings
• The Healthy Vending Guidelines have been updated to include:
  • Additional nutrition standards, such as stricter saturated fat, fiber, and protein standards; and emphasis on whole ingredients; and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors
  • Food Production Standards like environmental sustainability, equity, and animal welfare inspired by the Good Food Purchasing Program
  • Food Packaging Standards to reduce waste and support environmental health
• 50-60% of options in each of the vending machines meet Kingston’s nutrition guidelines! This meets or exceeds our goal of 50%!
• Options that meet the nutrition standards are on average no more expensive than options that do not.
• We still have more work to do to define our Food Production Standards and Food Packaging Standards impact.

Read on to learn more!

Background

Access to nutritious, nourishing foods is a priority for the City of Kingston. Spearheaded by the Department of Health and Wellness, supported by the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant, and guided by Live Well Kingston, the City of Kingston recognizes the impact of food and nutrition on the health and quality of life of the community. To support this goal, Common Council Resolution #185 of 2013 was adopted establishing the first Healthy Vending and Healthy Meeting Guidelines.

In 2023, the City saw an opportunity to update those guidelines after 10 years when it was time for the City to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new vending machine vendor. Inspired by updated nutritional science along with what is called values-based procurement most notably in the Good Food Purchasing Standards, these new Healthy Vending Guidelines are more robust and inclusive in their standards.

From the RFP process, the City went into contract with a local food company, Ruby Mae Soul. You may recognize that name from their previous restaurant on Broadway in the Rondout, Ruby Mae was interested in supporting the health and nourishment of the Kingston community through these vending machines across the city. Taking on a proactive role in meeting with representatives from each building, Ruby Mae worked closely with the Project Manager to develop a product list that not only kept old favorites, but also introduced fun new options that adhered to the Healthy Vending Guidelines.

Below is an overview of what these new guidelines are. Click here to view the Healthy Vending Guidelines in their entirety.

Nutrition Standards

At least 50% of the slots in each vending machine must be a product that meets the following standards (click image to enlarge).

Food Production Standards

Food not only impacts our bodies and health, but also has a large impact on our food system, the health of our planet, and equity in our communities. In order to support a more regenerative, equitable, resilient food system, the City prioritizes values-based food production standards. These include (click image to enlarge):

Food Packaging Standards

In alignment with the City of Kingston’s environmental goals and values as a Climate Smart Community as well as goals set forth in the 2010 Climate Action Plan and Climate Action Plan 2030, which include making the food system more resilient and healthy, reducing waste and increasing education around better food systems, the Healthy Vending Guidelines also include a preference for environmentally-friendly food packaging as defined by the abilities of the City’s recycling and composting partner, Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA).

What’s in Stock?

We’re pleased to announce that between 50 and 60% of each machine meets the nutrition standards! Look for delicious and nutritious products like whole grain granola bars, nuts, water, 100% fruit juice, and other options with simple, whole ingredients. Because affordability of nutritious foods is just as important as physical access, we’re proud to share that meet the options that meet the nutrition standards are on average no more expensive than the options that do not, with products ranging in price from $1 to $3.

Next, we’re looking forward to digging in to see our impact in terms of Food Production and Food Packaging Standards, which are not always as quick or simple to uncover. Stay tuned for that future update. The Center for Good Food Purchasing recommends that each of the five procurement values account for 5-15% of a city’s products, which we hope to achieve with at least 1-2 of the values beyond nutrition!

** NOTE ON PACKAGING: When you use Kingston’s new machines, make sure to actually recycle your bottles and cans! Also, keep in mind that only a few snack packages are compostable. Most of these still belong in the trash!**

To Learn More

For more information on this project, the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant, or any other food or nutrition project at the City of Kingston, reach out to:

Kristin Kessler, RDN, CDN, CYT

Food & Nutrition Lead

kkessler@kingston-ny.gov

Kingston Eats Passport!

We’re a big fan of delicious and nutritious food! So much so, that we launched a citywide veggie and fruit of the month campaign called Kingston Eats to joyfully celebrate at locations across the city. If you aren’t familiar with it, be sure to check that out here https://livewellkingston.org/kingston-eats/.

Things just got a little bit more exciting with the launch of the Kingston Eats Passport! All done through a QR code on your phone, there is no need to leave the country, but we do encourage an adventurous spirit in checking out one or more destinations right here in Kingston. By “checking in” not only will you be entered to win a monthly raffle drawing for a $50 visa gift card (might we recommend treating yourself and a friend to dinner at a local restaurant, or purchasing local food goodies?), but you can also get quick & easy recipes + receive facts and tips from a chef or one of the amazing YMCA Farm Project teens.

Participating Locations:

• Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster
• First Capital Poke Bar
• Joe Beez
• Kingston Bread & Bar
• Kingston Farmers Market
• Lola Pizza
• People’s Place
• Rewind Kingston
• Rosie General
• Rough Draft
• Salvation Army
• Stone Soup
• Sweet Maresa’s
• Tilda’s Kitchen
• Turn up the Beet
• YMCA Youth Farm Project

How to Participate?

1. Scan the QR code
2. Learn about the fruit and veggie of the month!
3. Don’t forget to click “Check In” to receive your digital stamp.
4. Check out other participating locations!

The 2024 Kingston Eats Passport will be going on September-December, so you don’t want to miss out!

‌ ¡ACOMPÁÑENOS EN KINGSTON EATS!

What Is It?

‌‌ ¿QUÉ ES?

On the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) team we love food, including veggies and fruits. It’s as simple as that! We also love the fact that we live in an area where so much food is grown. To celebrate our local abundance, we’re excited to bring back our city-wide campaign called Kingston Eats to celebrate a Harvest of the Month. We’re asking businesses, organizations, schools, and folks across Kingston to participate, hopefully including you!

• January- Cabbage
• February- Beets
• March– Potatoes
• April–  Beans & Early Onions
• May– Asparagus
• June– Salad Greens & Berries
• July– Summer Squash & Stone Fruit
• August– Tomatoes & Melon
• September– Peppers & Grapes
• October– Cooking Greens & Apples
• November– Carrots & Pears
• December– Winter Squash

**Check out our 2024 Kingston Eats Impact Report to read more about our activities and successes!**

‌‌En el equipo de ‌Creación de Escuelas y Comunidades Saludables (CHSC) nos encanta la comida, incluidas las verduras y las frutas. ¡Así de simple! Además, nos encanta vivir en una zona donde se cultiva tanta comida. Para celebrar nuestra abundancia local, nos complace presentar, una vez más, la campaña Kingston Eats en toda la ciudad, para celebrar una Cosecha del Mes. Estamos invitando a empresas, organizaciones, escuelas y personas de todo Kingston a participar, ¡y esperamos que usted también nos acompañe!

La campaña de este año comenzará en marzo de 2024 para coincidir con el Mes Nacional de la Nutrición. Las verduras y frutas de cada mes serán las siguientes:

• Enero- repollo
• Febrero- remolacha
• Marzo: papa
• Abril: frijoles y cebollas tempranas
• Mayo: espárragos
• Junio: verduras para ensalada y bayas
• Julio: calabaza de verano y fruta con hueso
• Agosto: tomates y melones
• Septiembre: chiles y uvas
• Octubre: hojas verdes y manzanas
• Noviembre: zanahorias y peras
• Diciembre: calabaza de invierno

How To Participate

CÓMO PARTICIPAR

Check out the variety of ways for you to participate below, whether you want to join us from your home kitchen or you want your business/community organization to be a participating location.

A continuación, puede consultar las formas para participar, ya sea desde la cocina de su casa o como participante con un puesto de exhibición para su empresa u organización de la comunidad.

I am a Community Member

‌Soy miembro de la comunidad

The good news here is that all you have to do is eat! Check back soon for an update list of participating locations to find a way that works best for your schedule and taste buds. Also, check out our newly launched activity, the Kingston Eats Passport! Get your digital “stamp” by scanning the QR code at participating locations and be entered in to win a monthly raffle prize!

¡La buena noticia es que lo único que tiene que hacer es comer! Consulte a continuación la lista de puestos de exhibición participantes para encontrar el que mejor se adapte a su disponibilidad horaria y paladar. Además, consulte nuestra actividad recientemente lanzada, Kingston Eats Passport. ¡Obtenga su “sello” digital escaneando el código QR en las ubicaciones participantes y participe para ganar un premio de rifa mensual!

Thank you so much to our donations partners!

‌‌ ¡Muchas gracias a nuestros colaboradores por sus donaciones!

We are a Business or Community Organization

Somos una organización empresarial o comunitaria

We are always eager to welcome more participating partners! It’s easy, just check out our suggested ways to participate below, or come up with a way that works best for you. Send us an email at kkessler@kingston-ny.gov to let us know how you plan to be involved and we’ll be happy to add you to our list of participating locations.

¡Siempre nos entusiasma recibir más socios participantes! Es fácil, simplemente consulte las formas de participar que le sugerimos a continuación o vea la forma que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades. Envíe un correo electrónico a kkessler@kingston-ny.gov para informarnos cómo planea participar y estaremos encantados de agregarlo a nuestra lista de puestos de exhibición participantes.

Menu of Participation

Click on the images below to see suggested ways to participate.

Everyone- Join Us Online!

Everyone can join the conversation online! Share how you enjoy the veggie of the month, either from your home and business/organization’s kitchen, using the hashtag #KingstonEatsFresh.

¡Todos pueden unirse a las charlas en línea! Comparta cómo disfruta la verdura del mes, ya sea desde la cocina de su casa o desde su empresa u organización utilizando el hashtag ‌#KingstonEatsFresh‌.

To Learn More, Contact:

Emily Flynn

eflynn@kingston-ny.gov

Funding for this program was made possible by the State of New York. The views expressed in written program materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the State.

La financiación de este programa fue posible gracias al estado de Nueva York. Las opiniones que figuran en los materiales escritos del programa o en las publicaciones, así como lo expresado por los oradores y moderadores no reflejan, necesariamente, las políticas oficiales del Estado.

By: Kristin Kessler, RDN, CDN, CYT, Project Manager, Department of Health and Wellness, City of Kingston

Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Program

Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC), a New York State Department of Health-funded project through the City of Kingston, is thrilled to share an update on activities and successes after wrapping year two and entering into year 3 of the five-year grant. With a goal to make healthy choices easy choices in Kingston, CHSC does this by supporting policy, system, and environmental changes that increase access to nutritious food and physical activity in our schools, community, and early care centers.

Two years in, and we’ve developed meaningful, wonderful partnerships with organizations and individuals across our community. To date we’ve worked with six community nutrition partners, four elementary schools, 15 daycares and early care centers, and on six pedestrian or cyclists support projects. 

A few of our project highlights include: 

• 1 Pedestrian Bicycle Master Plan Policy Created
• 3 KCSD School-Based Wellness Committees Formed
• 5 Community Nutrition Policies Created
• 5 Water Fill Stations Installed
• 162 People Trained in Nutrition and Physical Activity
• 1554 Kids Reached

We’ve also hosted a culinary nutrition training through The Teaching Kitchen for our community nutrition partners, and were featured in a Hudson Valley 1 article about the many new wellness initiatives we’ve launched through this state-funded program. Check out our Overview of CHSC Years 1-2 to read more!

Click on the timeline below to see a brief, yet comprehensive overview of our activities over the past few years:

Two of the projects we’re particularly proud of and excited to share include the designing of the two new greenspaces at the Broadway and Prince intersection, and the Spinach Fest hosted at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in collaboration with the Rondout Valley Growers Association.

Spinach Fest at John F. Kennedy Elementary School

During the 2022-2023 school year, three schools received training, technical assistance, and resources to increase access to healthy food outside the school meal program. Building on a successful pilot year, the Kingston City School District food service expanded the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to two more schools with advocacy and coordination from building wellness committees. The Rondout Valley Growers Association, a local farm coalition, provided locally grown spinach for the first annual “spinach fest” after school event at John F. Kennedy Elementary School that celebrated May’s vegetable of the month with various spinach tastings, gardening, face painting, and more!

Check out our Community Collaboration Offers Fresh Produce & Kids Eat It Up! success story to learn more about this fun and nutritious event!

Designing Two Greenspaces at the Broadway and Prince Intersection

In 2022, the City of Kingston, NY, hired KaN Landscape Design to develop a community-driven design of two new greenspaces along the Kingston Greenline (a network of trails and complete streets) to support and encourage walking and bicycling. The outreach feedback was the most diverse of recent City projects, and resulted in a beautiful design that the City will be implementing Phase 1 of construction on in either Fall 2023 or Spring 2024.

Check out our Planning an Everyday Destination for the Local Community success story to learn more about this fun and project!

Looking Ahead

With all of these exciting events, we can’t wait to see what Years 3, 4 and 5 will bring from the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program. We already have plans to expand the number of schools, daycares and early care centers, and community nutrition centers that we work with. We are launching a city-wide veggie of the month campaign this September, are looking to install bike racks across the city to make riding your bike to your destination easier by providing a safe place to put it, will be creating a plan to create wayfinding signs for the Greenline that helps to direct you, and many more fun, meaningful, and impactful activities.

If you are interested in learning more, contact: 

Kristin Kessler, RDN, CDN, CYT

kkessler@kingston-ny.gov 

845-334-3917

National Nutrition Month®: Fuel for the Future

By: Kristin Kessler, RDN, CDN, CYT, Project Manager, Department of Health and Wellness, City of Kingston

Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Program

March is here again, which means it’s time to celebrate National Nutrition Month® again! If this is your first time celebrating, National Nutrition Month® is an annual month-long campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics when everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.

This year’s theme is “Fuel for the Future.” Just like how what we eat can affect our bodies, what we eat can also affect the health of our planet. Below are some suggestions on how to eat in a sustainable way to nourish both your body while also protecting our environment. A bonus for eating sustainably is that it encourages less food waste, which is great for your wallet as well!

Ways to Eat for Our Planet

Choose Plant-Based Foods More Often

Choosing foods that come from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, is a great start for the environment. We know that these foods have a lesser impact on our environment than animal-based foods. You don’t have to be vegetarian or vegan to make a difference! Even starting off by making a meatless meal just one night of the week is a step in the right direction. Check out Meatless Mondays to get recipe inspiration.

Buy In-Season and Shop Locally

Not only does buying in-season help the planet, but it also provides you with the tastiest option! And shopping locally helps to reduce carbon emissions by reducing the lengthy distances that food gets transported when it’s grown halfway across the globe.

We’re fortunate in the Hudson Valley to be surrounded by many farms! You can buy from farms a few ways: 1) visit a farmers’ market, 2) buy at the farm stand, or 3) join a CSA (community supported agriculture) Check out this map from Ulster Corps to find many of these options we have close to home!

Shop smart and use leftovers strategically

Another great way to eat for sustainability is by reducing food waste. Consider planning out your meals on a weekly basis so that you shop just for what you need. A great way to reduce food waste is to use leftovers strategically. Cook once to eat twice by doubling your recipe. Use leftovers in a salad, wrapped in a tortilla, or in a sandwich the next day. Stack recipes with similar ingredients when you don’t need the whole piece of produce. For example, if you have a recipe that uses half a head of cabbage for a slaw, plan to use the other half in soup the next night.

Sustainability at the City of Kingston

If this is all right up your alley and you want to learn how to do more or what the City of Kingston is doing for everyone, there are plenty of programs to learn about through our Office Of Sustainability either at https://kingston-ny.gov/Sustainability or at https://engagekingston.com/. Programs such as:

Organics Diversion

A fancy way to talk about composting, the City of Kingston in partnership with the Kingston Conservation Advisory Council, the Climate Smart Kingston Commission, and the Hudson Valley Regional Council, undertook a feasibility study for diverting food waste produced at municipal buildings as well as by residents and small businesses. The City is taking the results of that study to develop a plan for implementation that is due to be available as a draft to the public in late winter 2023. 

How does this help the environment? Reducing the amount of food waste that goes to the landfills can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in avoided tipping fees.  Reducing the number of trips dump trucks take to the landfill also reduces the emissions of greenhouse gasses.  When the financial benefits from implementing such a program exceed the implementation and operating costs, it is a win all around.  Kingston’s goal is to discover if the City can get this win like other like-minded communities have nation- and state-wide.

Contribute your voice! There will be a public input meeting to present the Draft Organics Diversion Plan on Tuesday, March 28th at 6pm in City Hall.

The Bike Share Program

The Sustainability Office, with support from the Complete Streets Advisory Council, the Live Well Kingston Commission, and the Climate Smart Kingston Commission, is in development of an ordinance permitting the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and shared micro-mobility services within the City of Kingston. Developing such an ordinance will allow the City to implement safety regulations. These types of devices are helpful for the environment because they will support and encourage people who are seeking to reduce their reliance on vehicles, which is an essential climate change action. Many of these e-bikes still allow their users to pedal, just with some assistance. This is both helpful for our health because it can increase physical activity while increasing equity for those who might be unable to pedal a regular bike.

The Draft Ordinance is currently under review by Corporation Counsel and has been sent to the Laws and Rules Committee of the Common Council for consideration.

Earth Fair

If you’ve made it this far, then you’re clearly excited about sustainability. Come join others who feel the same passion as this year’s Earth Fair! Hosted on Saturday, May 13th, Earth Fair is an event that promotes sustainability and will include live music, food trucks, vendors, games & activities, a free swap market, electric vehicle displays, green education, sponsored boat rides, and more. Details below and find out more at https://www.kingston-ny.gov/earthfair. 

• Date: Saturday, May 13th, 2023
• Time: 10am-5pm
• Location: TR Gallo Park, 30 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY

Interested in Learning More?

Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC), is a program of the City of Kingston’s Department of Health and Wellness that supports policy, system, and environmental changes to make it easier for everyone in Kingston to make healthy choices. The goals of CHSC are to improve food and nutrition guidelines in food service venues, support the planning to increase safe and accessible physical activity, and improve policies and practices to support physical activity and improved nutrition in schools and early care and education centers.

If you are a workplace or community organization with a food venue that is interested in developing a food and nutrition policy, contact: 

Kristin Kessler, RDN, CDN, CYT

kkessler@kingston-ny.gov 

845-334-3917