Project Oasis

Project Oasis Newburgh is a grassroots organization committed to addressing the food apartheid occurring in the City of Newburgh. In November 2025, Federal SNAP benefits were suspended during the government shutdown. Due to the lapse in funding, the USDA decided to withhold funds. Project Oasis Newburgh adapted its mission to the reclamation of public space. We pivoted from our initial first steps to set up community gardens in vacant lots, to hosting free fresh produce distribution in public spaces throughout the City of Newburgh. Project Oasis Newburgh used its Sky High grant to secure a one-year contract with the Newburgh Farmers’ Market to secure fresh, locally grown produce for a whole year. Through this, we are able to do two food distributions a week (at Newburgh Free Library and Broadway) until November 2026.