For most of my childhood, my family was living on public assistance,
food pantry fare, government cheese, and the discounted bread that had passed its expiration date.
Patrons at soup kitchens and
food pantries probably don't realize it, but depending on the day, they may be dining on some of the region's most expensively produced
fare — meat and vegetables from Dan Colen, an artist and Hudson Valley farmer who donates his entire output to several local
food banks.