As we all struggle living in isolation while the coronavirus rages on, stories of kindness, strength, and positivity endure. Many families face not only the stresses of COVID-19, but the added burden of trying to put food on the table. Because of this, farms and co-ops in Upstate New York made generous donations to help feed those in need. (1)
34,000 Pounds In Food Donations
A mind-boggling amount of fresh food including 34,000 pounds of milk, beef, fruit, and vegetables were donated by New York State farms to ensure their neighbors are fed. In hand with the food, the farmers also sent crayons and coloring books for the kids. The food was distributed at Senator Ramos’ district office in East Elmhurst, Queens. (1)
Food Donations Offer Fresh Options
Thanks to the partnership between the farmers and Senator Jessica Ramos, fresh food reached deserving families including: (1)
- 300 pounds of beef
- 1,700 gallons of milk
- 20,000 apples
- 14,000 pounds of onions
- 8,000 pounds of potatoes
- 4,000 pounds of cabbage
- 2,880 pounds of blueberry and vanilla parfait yogurt
While these donations reached families, many American dairy farmers have made the difficult decision to dump milk due to drastic drops in demand. (2)
Food Donations Needed During Crisis
We’ve all witnessed the tragedy of food waste during the crisis. Farms across America have destroyed crops with nowhere to ship their food. However, this distribution of food helps kill two birds with one stone. “We cannot have hungry families in New York City, and farmers upstate dumping their product because they cannot sell it,” says Senator Jessica Ramos. “Together with our farmer partners, we created our own network, and we will convert our district office into a food distribution hub to provide our neighbors with fresh produce and meals.” (1)
Pooled Resources Build Food Donations
The pandemic has devastated the food supply chain, adding to the issues families face. “By pooling resources and working together to adapt to unprecedented market disruption, we’re able to get milk, beef and produce in the hands of those in need,” says Northeast Dairy Producers Association Vice Chair and Owner of La Casa De Leche Dairy Farm, Keith Kimball. “I’m proud to partner with farmers, co-ops and processors across the state to make this donation a reality.” (1)
New York Tough
Maureen Torrey, co-owner of Torrey Farms, Inc. is grateful for her employees who helped make it happen. “This public health crisis has changed life as we know it, but what we’ve learned is that no matter where you live – Buffalo, Plattsburgh, New York City and everywhere in between – we’re all New Yorkers and together we are New York Tough,” she says. (1)
Truck Packed With Food Donations
The truck left Western New York on April 29, 2020 filled with the donations. Many of the areas targeted to receive the food are in “food deserts” where it is difficult to find fresh meals. This includes Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona and parts of Woodside and Astoria. These areas have high COVID related illnesses making it hard to keep food pantries running. (1)
This is an excellent example of what can happen when people put their heads together to help resolve each other’s issues.
