Orange County FoodTEC

Building Careers, Strengthening Communities

Thanks, in part, to a $200,000 grant from Central Hudson, Orange County FoodTEC at SUNY Orange is redefining workforce training in the food, beverage, hospitality, and tourism industries. This crucial funding supported the renovation and upgrade of a 3,300-square-foot commercial kitchen on the Newburgh campus, transforming it into a state-of-the-art training facility where aspiring professionals gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills for a competitive job market.

Central Hudson’s commitment to economic development supports FoodTEC’s mission to expand economic mobility through high-quality training programs that lead to careers with competitive wages and benefits. This funding fast-tracked the project, covering critical infrastructure improvements including water, sewer, and site development, enabling the training center to open its doors late last year.

Future upgrades are planned, including adding more dishwashing, baking, and cooking equipment, a dedicated barista area, and new classrooms to enhance training opportunities.

With additional support from federal and state grants, industry partners like Resorts World Catskills, Pamela’s On The Hudson, Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall, and more, FoodTEC is set to become a flagship hub for workforce development in the region.

This article is the first in Central Hudson's newly launched "Made in the Hudson Valley” series, which highlights local manufacturers and industries, the innovative products they make, and the vital jobs they provide in the communities we call home.

Central Hudson offers a suite of economic development grants focused on supporting and expanding manufacturing and job retention in the Hudson Valley, and are proud supporters of the Council of Industry, the manufacturer’s association for the Hudson Valley.