Blog
COVID-19 and food insecurity
The Coronavirus outbreak is proving what we already know: that the health of our communities is only as strong as that of our most vulnerable community members. During times of uncertainty, it is even more important that we work together to take care of...
Kids’ Farmers Market at School
Just before winter break, children flooded the hallways at Enfield Elementary School in Tompkins County with handmade t-shirt bags loaded with produce slung over their shoulders. Kids in Taura McMeekin’s third-grade class gathered in a circle and dumped...
Message from the President
From Natasha R. Thompson,President & CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier Health starts in our homes, our schools and work places, our neighborhoods and communities. Conditions in the places where people live, learn and work affect a wide range of...
Just Say Yes!
Before the start of a recent Mobile Food Pantry in Broome County, a group of about 15 is gathered around vehicles at the Colesville Volunteer Ambulance Company to taste a recipe for a pinto bean salad. Elisa Rocks, one of the Food Bank’s two registered...
Partnering for healthy outcomes
Jessica Renner, Regional President of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and her staff are at the forefront of community collaboration on healthcare and the social determinants of health. “We are in a new era of coming together with community agencies and...
Improving Nutrition, Improving Health
Patricia Roe looks over the produce, frozen meats and dairy projects on folding tables in the community center at North Shore Towers apartments in Binghamton at a recent Senior Mobile Food Pantry. “I think it’s wonderful,” she says, putting fresh apples...
Chasing the Emmy
Congratulations to our friends at WSKG Public Media who have been nominated for three Emmy Awards for outstanding work in social issues and documentary production, including a series hosted by our own Natasha R. Thompson!The New York State Chapter of the...
Public Charge Immigration Changes to Take Effect
On January 31, 2020, the US Supreme Court decided that receipt of services like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be added to the list of factors that count negatively against individuals seeking lawful residency or citizenship – even when those...
More than 3,000 Southern Tier residents to lose SNAP
ELMIRA, NY – On April 1, 2020, a new rule on eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to go into effect. It could result in thousands of New York state residents losing SNAP benefits, including about 3,330 in the Southern Tier,...
Support from Avangrid Foundation
The Food Bank of the Southern Tier received a $15,000 grant from the Avangrid Foundation, in partnership with NYSEG, to support the Food Bank’s food acquisition and distribution. This reflects the Foundation’s commitment to the communities served by...