The "Grow Chautauqua" program is back, bringing fresh, local food to Chautauqua County. This initiative highlights the importance of community support and locally sourced produce.
Originally launched to help families access nutritious food, "Grow Chautauqua" kicked off its distribution events again on March 12. The program is a collaboration led by Cornell Cooperative Extension, with support from Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce, who curates 500 boxes each week filled with a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other products.
Community Food Systems Educator Linnea Haskin explains that the boxes will be handed out weekly until the end of July. This year, the distribution sites include:
- Chautauqua County Rural Ministry in Dunkirk on Wednesdays at noon.
- Friendship Baptist Church in Dunkirk starting April 2 at 11 AM.
- Jamestown Public Market at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Blackwell Chapel on Fridays at 2 PM and 3 PM, respectively.
- Ripley Public Library will distribute 100 boxes on Saturdays starting at 10 AM.
Importantly, these food boxes are free and available to anyone in need, with no identification required. The contents vary each week, reflecting the seasonal produce from Western New York’s farms. Items may include cheese, jams, bread, maple syrup, honey, and meats, alongside the fruits and vegetables.
Haskin notes that funding for this program comes from the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. Unfortunately, this marks the final year of funding due to federal cuts, raising concerns about future support for such initiatives.
Food security remains a pressing issue. According to a 2022 survey by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 10% of American households were food insecure at some point during the year. Programs like "Grow Chautauqua" respond directly to this challenge, providing essential support to local families.
As communities rally to help one another, the enthusiasm on social media reflects a growing interest in community-supported agriculture. Tweets and posts about local food distributions show increasing public engagement in supporting local farmers and ensuring access to fresh foods for everyone.
To learn more about the "Grow Chautauqua" initiative and the impact it’s having, listen to Linnea Haskin discuss the program in a recent interview on WRFA.
For further details on food assistance programs in your area, visit the USDA website.
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