On Thursday, October 2, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier hosted our annual Harvest Celebration, a special evening dedicated to honoring our more than 300 partner agencies for the life-changing work they do every day to nourish and strengthen our communities.
Each year, the Harvest Celebration brings together food pantries, meal programs, Mobile Food Pantry leaders, community advocates, and supporters from across the region. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the collective effort that makes our mission possible.
This year’s event featured stories of inspiration, connection, and gratitude. Dawn, Jessica, and Sayre shared how the Community Advocates Program continues to grow as a platform for neighbors with lived experience to share their voices and shape solutions to hunger in their communities. Their words reminded us that those closest to the challenge are also closest to the answers.
We were also inspired by Katie Boland, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Chemung, who spoke about the importance of caring for ourselves as we care for others. Her message “You can’t pour from an empty cup” resonated deeply with our network who give so much of themselves in service to others.
To close the evening, we recognized several exceptional partners whose leadership and dedication embody the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines our network:
- HPI Award: Painted Post Food Pantry
- Service Insights Award: Hector Food Pantry
- Community Partner Award: Wilson’s Restaurant Equipment
- Mark Lisi MFP Spirit Award: Kim Paul, Waverly Mobile Food Pantry
- Mary Pat Dolan Excellence in Innovation Award: Binghamton Salvation Army
- Jack Balinsky Charity & Justice Award: Phoebe Carson, Deposit
Congratulations to each of this year’s honorees, and heartfelt thank you to all our partners for the care, creativity, and commitment you bring to the fight against hunger every single day. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are making a difference.