How the Food Bank of Central New York’s Innovative Locker Program is Revolutionizing the Fight Against Hunger

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — For 40 years, the Food Bank of Central New York has been a trusted resource, ensuring that families have enough to eat. Now, the organization is introducing a new way to help those in need: food lockers.

In the Town Park parking lot in Hastings, a series of lockers stand ready to serve families in Oswego County. These lockers are a lifeline for those who struggle to find food.

“We’ve chosen communities that really need better access to food,” said Brian McManus, the Chief Operating Officer of the Food Bank of Central New York. “The Hastings site and another one in Cortland County caught our attention.” These locations were already served by mobile food pantries, but the need for more consistent options was clear.

This past fall, the Food Bank installed food lockers in Hastings and Truxton, both areas with limited access to food pantries. Many families in these communities face food insecurity, unsure where their next meal will come from.

“At the Food Bank, we continuously look for barriers that prevent people from getting food,” McManus explained. “Our goal is to clear those obstacles and ensure families can easily access the food they need.”

The new pilot program offers a variety of foods, including refrigerated items, frozen goods, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, and fresh produce. Each month, families receive a text or email with a code, allowing them to access their pre-packaged groceries from the lockers.

“With the experience we’ve gained, we see the potential to expand this program further,” McManus added.

Residents in the areas served by the Food Locker program can check their eligibility by contacting the Food Bank at foodlockers@foodbankcny.org or calling (315) 437-1899.

To further support local families, CNY Central, along with CXtec and Cumulus Media, will host the Help Fight Hunger Telethon on January 30. With one in eight people experiencing food insecurity, every dollar raised will provide three meals to those in need.

Source link

Food Bank,Hunger,Food lockers,Food insecurity,Oswego County,Community,Meals,Innovative