The NY Food for NY Families "Grow Chautauqua" Food Distribution Starts in June

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (May 28, 2024) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County is excited to announce the start of the New York Food for New York Families ‘Grow Chautauqua’ food distribution events.

A recipient of the NY Food for NY Families funding, via the USDA and New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, CCE will be partnering with several area community organizations and many local farmers for the launch of the program. Main partner Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce will work to assist in procurement of NYS and Chautauqua grown, raised, and produced products, as well as package 500 individual boxes of said product for distribution weekly.

CCE will also be partnering with the county Office for the Aging’s Local Roots program, assisting in the distribution of produce to more than 400 individual senior residents across Chautauqua County.

Per NYS Ag and Markets, the New York Food for New York Families Program will maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency in New York State. This funding is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). The goals of this program are to:

1.Support local and traditionally disadvantaged farmers/producers by building and expanding economic opportunities and creating new marketing channels.

2.Establish and broaden partnerships between New York farmers/producers and the food distribution community and local food networks to ensure distribution of fresh nutritious foods in rural, remote, and/or underserved areas.

3.Improve food access for underserved communities by tailoring distribution to unique local challenges.

With over 24% of Chautauqua County residents living with food insecurity, particularly communities made vulnerable such as seniors, black, Hispanic communities, and youth, CCE is excited to offer an impactful food access program.

Main distribution events will begin June 12, and run weekly through October 30, at three partner organizations. Local food will be offered to all community members at no charge, and identification or proof of income is not required. Food boxes will be distributed on a first come, first served basis and are not guaranteed. Boxes will include a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, varying week to week based on the WNY growing season, as well as locally produced products such as cheese, jams, bread, maple syrup, honey, and meat products.

Chautauqua County Rural Ministries Inc., located on Washington Ave in Dunkirk will distribute 200 food boxes weekly on Wednesdays, starting at noon. Various other distribution locations, including the Dunkirk Farmers Market, and dates will be announced as the summer progresses.

The Jamestown Mobile Market will be distributing local produce at its various locations, including the Chautauqua Center, C. V. Bush Elementary School, Silvertree Seniors on Crane Street, and CODE Inc, on Second Street. Times vary and can be found at www.jtownpublicmarket.org. In addition, Grow Jamestown will be partnering with various faith-based communities via a new program, Faithful Eating, to distribute additional food boxes throughout the summer.

Ripley Public Library will be distributing a total of 100 food boxes to community members on Saturdays.

OFA’s Local Roots program will visit various senior living centers across the county. Senior residents can ‘pre-register’ by contacting the OFA to receive a food box containing produce from Abers Acres organic farm. After pre-registrants are served, additional community members are welcome to all senior living sites to receive food boxes on a first, come first serve basis. Exact locations and dates/times can be found on CCE’s Facebook page.

CCE is aiming to procure as much produce and food products local to the county as possible. All farms and producers are compensated via the grant for products at full market value. Farmers currently contributing to the program include: Yerico Farms; Hidden Valley Produce; Abers Acres; Roberto Fred Farms; Ellicottville Greens; Degolier Maple; Sunshine Honey; Lizzie Byler; JM Joy Farms; Rosie Joy; Roo Haven Farms; Stand Fast Farm; Bit-O-Breeze; Eden Valley Creamery; Green Heron Growers; Snowbelt Gardens; and the Clymer Produce Auction.

Farmers or food producers interested in contributing to the program can contact Linnea Haskin at CCE Chautauqua lmc373@cornell.edu or by phone at 716/664-9502 x 210.

CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated May 28, 2024