In the wake of school closings, mandatory social distancing, and the economic downturn, food insecurity is a rising concern. Byron-Bergen Central School District has organized meal pickups to provide breakfast and lunch to school-aged children five days a week, but some local farmers decided to take it a step further.
On Thursday, April 2, a trailer piled with potatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbage pulled into the Byron-Bergen High School parking lot. The produce is a gift to the community from five local farms. Mortellaro Farms, Star Growers, Stymus Farms, Torrey Farms, and Triple G Farms combined their resources to provide food for local families.
The drop-off was organized with the help of Byron-Bergen Kitchen Manager Rozanne Klycek. The idea was brought to her by a family member at Star Growers. Barbara Storowitz, a Byron-Bergen alumni, had been in contact with other local farmers, eager to help in these uncertain times. As the district was already distributing food, the farmers thought it was the perfect way to reach community members in need.
Ultimately, the delivery included hundreds of pounds of produce, which was distributed directly to community members during their regular school meal distribution pickups.
“This community never ceases to amaze me,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “I am truly humbled by the generosity of these farmers. It was an honor to help carry 10-pound bags of potatoes out to cars, knowing the relief it will provide to our families.”
Byron-Bergen Central School District distributes breakfast and lunch for approximately 300 students at the High School bus loop. For information, visit www.bbschools.org.
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