We're thrilled to share this moment with four incredible leaders at the heart of our organization! Please join us in celebrating some exciting transitions here at Columbia Kitchen:

Kyle Patzwahl has been elected Chair of our Board of Directors. A Columbia County native, Kyle brings a unique blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and community advocacy to our organization. His background includes degrees from Columbia-Greene Community College, The George Washington University, and a JD and MBA from Boston College. His commitment to public service, entrepreneurship, and local engagement makes him an ideal leader for this new chapter.

Helen Lobel is our newly elected Board of Directors Vice-Chair. After a successful corporate career in national sales, Helen now dedicates her time to grassroots work in local politics and community organizations, including being involved in Columbia Kitchen for five years. Her strategic thinking and passion for public service are invaluable assets to our mission.

Joan Koweek joins us as our Interim Executive Director. A lifelong Columbia County resident with over two decades in nonprofit leadership, Joan most recently served as Executive Director of the Columbia-Greene Community College Foundation. Her deep local roots, dedication to community partnerships, and collaborative leadership style make her a natural fit to lead us forward.

And last, but certainly not least, we send our heartfelt thanks to Jolene Race, who is stepping down as Executive Director to enjoy a well-earned (partial) retirement. Fortunately, we're not saying goodbye—Jolene will continue with us in a new role as Director of Programs, where she’ll guide key partnerships and community initiatives. We are deeply grateful for her years of outstanding leadership and excited to support her continued impact.

With this dynamic team, we’re looking forward to the future with confidence, vision, and a whole lot of heart!

As the cost of groceries continues to rise and Federal funding cuts to SNAP and Medicaid threaten the safety net upon which so many people in our community rely, we’ve seen a significant increase in new recipients. In the last five months alone, more than 120 people have begun receiving free meals from Columbia Kitchen.

To help meet further demand, we’re proud to announce the following newly established community partnerships:

Columbia-Greene Community College

We’ve partnered with C-GCC to deliver 15 meals weekly to the Student Food Pantry on campus. With generous grant funding from the Raymond C. Kennedy Foundation, we provided a refrigerator at the pantry, which is stocked with meals every Monday by Columbia Kitchen Volunteer Linda Mirabelli.

“A huge thank you to Columbia Kitchen for helping us take care of our students! Thanks to their generosity, we now have freshly prepared meals and a refrigerator for anyone in need. This act of kindness goes a long way in making sure our students are supported, nourished, and ready to thrive. We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to student well-being and success.”

-Maria Ostrander, RN, Director of Health Services, Columbia-Greene Community College

Philmont Public Library

In collaboration with the Philmont Public Library, Columbia Kitchen now delivers 25 healthy meals weekly to our neighbors in Philmont.

"Every Wednesday, Columbia Kitchen provides a minimum of 25 prepared meals to our community through the Philmont Public Library Free Fridge, which is a 'help yourself to what you need' community fridge. We have many people who look forward to these meals each week. We are so appreciative of these home cooked, protein-rich, and local veggie meals. Thank you!"

-Rain Whittaker, Director, Philmont Public Library

Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry 

Our collaboration with the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry provides 25 meals each week to residents in the Ichabod Crane School District. The meals are distributed on a first come, first served basis during the pantry’s operating hours. The pantry is located at First Presbyterian Church in Valatie.

“For the last several months, Columbia Kitchen has been delivering their delicious meals to the Valatie Food Pantry. I serve as Chairman of the Pantry, but more importantly, and rewarding, I work there every Monday. I see firsthand how thankful our clients are to receive the dinners. Thank you so much for including us in your program.”

-Patricia Benson, Chairman, Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry

New Lebanon Community Center

In partnership with the Town of New Lebanon, Columbia Kitchen now provides 30 meals each week to the New Lebanon Community Center. Columbia Kitchen Volunteer Karrin Ellerston delivers easily accessible meals to the Community Center’s refrigerator every Monday thanks to additional funding from the Raymond C. Kennedy Foundation.

“We are so grateful to Columbia Kitchen for providing fresh, delicious meals to those in need here in New Lebanon. With rising costs and inflation, many are struggling to put food on their table. Thanks to this amazing program, we can ensure that people in our community have their food and nutrition needs met.”

-Tistrya Houghtling, Supervisor, Town of New Lebanon