(WNY News Now) – Jamestown, NY – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County proudly announces the launch of the ‘Grow Chautauqua’ initiative, a series of food distribution events under the New York Food for New York Families Program, aimed at combating food insecurity and supporting local farmers.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Chautauqua County is set to kick off the New York Food for New York Families ‘Grow Chautauqua’ food distribution events, beginning June 12 and running weekly through October 30. This initiative, funded by the USDA and New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, is designed to bolster food supply chain resiliency and enhance food access for underserved communities in Chautauqua County.

Partnering with local organizations and farmers, CCE will distribute 500 food boxes weekly, filled with fresh, locally sourced produce and other food products. Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce will assist in procuring and packaging these items, ensuring that each box contains a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, cheese, jams, bread, maple syrup, honey, and meat products, all grown or produced in New York State.

The initiative also involves collaboration with the county Office for the Aging’s Local Roots program, which will distribute produce to over 400 senior residents across Chautauqua County. This partnership aims to address the high levels of food insecurity affecting over 24% of the county’s residents, particularly among seniors, Black and Hispanic communities, and youth.

Main distribution events will be hosted by three partner organizations, with local food available to all community members at no cost and without the need for identification or proof of income. The food boxes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Key distribution points include:

• Chautauqua County Rural Ministries Inc. on Washington Ave in Dunkirk, distributing 200 food boxes weekly on Wednesdays starting at noon.
• Jamestown Mobile Market, which will distribute local produce at various locations, including the Chautauqua Center, C. V. Bush Elementary School, Silvertree Seniors on Crane Street, and CODE Inc. on Second Street. Schedules can be found at www.jtownpublicmarket.org.
• Ripley Public Library, distributing 100 food boxes to community members on Saturdays.

Additionally, the Grow Jamestown initiative will collaborate with faith-based communities through the new Faithful Eating program to expand food distribution efforts.

Senior residents can pre-register with the Office for the Aging to receive food boxes from Abers Acres organic farm. After pre-registrants are served, any remaining food boxes will be available to the broader community on a first-come, first-served basis. Details about specific locations and times will be posted on CCE’s Facebook page.

Local farmers and producers, including Yerico Farms, Hidden Valley Produce, Abers Acres, Roberto Fred Farms, and others, are integral to this program, contributing fresh produce and food products. Farmers are compensated at full market value through the grant, ensuring economic support for local agriculture.

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

As a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission, CCE-Chautauqua operates under Cornell University’s guidance and is part of the national cooperative extension system. It is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, working to meet local, state, and national goals. For more information, visit www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua or call 716-664-9502.