Real stories of real change
From impactful volunteer events to inspiring stories of advocacy and change, see what’s new with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. You can also stay up to date on all the latest stories by subscribing to our Harvester Newsletter.
Coming May 2026 | Chemung County & Rochester, NY St. Mary Our Mother Church (816 West Broad Street, Horseheads, NY 14845): May 4, 2026 St. Marianne Cope Parish (2061 E Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623): May 7, 2026 People of Hope: A National Storytelling Experience Coming Soon Celebrating the power of compassion, service, and faith, People of Hope is [...]
Tracey Hayes isn’t much of a hugger. But she can count on plenty of them every Friday. “I bet I have 10 people hug me every time,” she said. At Thomas A. Edison High School, Friday isn’t just about getting to the weekend. It’s the day that students and their families visit the School Food [...]
Before many households settle into their day, Michelle is already moving through hers, navigating a web of responsibilities that never truly pause. Caregiving shapes nearly every hour. Michelle cares for three family members. Her adult son has severe autism and rarely leaves the house, perhaps once every few months. Her partner lives with a physical [...]
At the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, that kind of strength lives in Theresa Krause. Theresa has been named a Women of Distinction honoree by Fidelis Care, a recognition that reflects what so many in our region already know: her leadership, compassion, and relentless commitment are changing lives. But awards rarely capture the full [...]
Doc hesitates for a moment before opening the door to the Wellness Warehouse in Odessa. He adjusts his well-worn Vietnam Veteran hat, steps inside, and greets the staff with a firm handshake and an easy smile. He’s spent a lifetime serving others. Now, like many veterans, he’s navigating a season where he needs support of [...]
Lester navigated the busy streets as a cab driver for 24 years before retiring to a rural area of the Southern Tier, between the towns of Bath and Cameron. He enjoys gardening and growing vegetables like cucumbers, corn, and tomatoes in his raised garden beds. But, as a senior living on his own, things aren’t [...]
The line to get a turkey meal from the Addison Area Food Pantry wrapped all the way down the block and around the corner, but this isn’t usual. Jaime Potts, the pantry’s Program Coordinator, said their 2025 Turkey Giveaway was the busiest they’d ever been. “That was the most people we’ve ever had at once. [...]
As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of families across the Southern Tier are facing uncertainty about how they’ll access food in the coming weeks. Nearly 5,000 federal employees are currently without paychecks, and more than 67,000 individuals will lose access to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits beginning November 1. While the Food Bank [...]
Enfield Elementary’s School Food Center delivers fresh, nutritious food to children and families who need it most. Your kindness and commitment not only ensures no child in Enfield goes hungry, but it led to a new partnership between the center and Earlybird Nursery in Ithaca. With the help of County Legislator Randy Brown, Cornell Cooperative [...]
A huge thank you to all the incredible businesses who joined us for this year’s Leader of the Pack competition — proudly sponsored by Wegmans! This high-energy event brought together teams from across the region, all stepping up to help fight childhood hunger in the Southern Tier. Whether racing the clock or showing off their [...]
