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THRIVE ON! and Community Action of Ulster County Partner to Incubate PonckHockie Market
THRIVE ON! Network Inc. (THRIVE ON!) has entered into partnership with Community Action of Ulster County (UCCAC) to incubate the PonckHockie Market, a youth-led effort to expand food access and local economic opportunity in one of Kingston’s most underserved neighborhoods.
March 6, 2024
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Tackling a Food Desert
PonckHockie has long faced limited access to affordable, fresh groceries—conditions that meet the definition of a food desert. The PonckHockie Market aims to change that by creating a community-owned, youth-led market designed to meet local needs and celebrate local culture.
A Partnership Rooted in Place
The market is physically located in the parking lot of Community Action’s Kingston campus, turning underutilized space into a vibrant hub of food, culture, and connection. Through the partnership, THRIVE ON! has access to Community Action’s refrigerators, storage, office supplies, and institutional connections, ensuring that youth leaders are equipped with the day-to-day resources necessary to run and grow the market.
“This partnership isn’t just about sharing space—it’s about sharing trust, resources, and a vision for what’s possible,” said Keyvious Avery, President of THRIVE ON!. “Community Action is providing the backbone, while our youth bring the heart and imagination to build something new.”
Youth at the Center
The market’s design and operations are being shaped by THRIVE ON!’s Early Thrivers program, a group of young people piloting food system transformation in Kingston. Each market day centers a different community theme, with youth leading the planning and execution.
A Shared Commitment
The partnership marks THRIVE ON!’s first major institutional collaboration, signaling a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity and building local economic power through grassroots leadership.
“Community Action has always believed in supporting people where they are,” said UCCAC leader’s name, Douglas Blancero. “By partnering with THRIVE ON!, we’re not only addressing food insecurity in PonckHockie—we’re investing in the leadership of young people to shape a better future.”
About Community Action of Ulster County
Community Action of Ulster County works to combat poverty and empower families and individuals through housing support, food access programs, employment services, and advocacy.
About THRIVE ON!
THRIVE ON! is a youth-driven nonprofit based in Kingston, NY. Beginning with its pilot Early Thrivers program, THRIVE ON! equips young people and grassroots leaders to design, build, and lead the solutions their communities need.