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Every day across the Southern Tier, local partners help connect neighbors with nutritious food. They know their communities, build relationships and bring care and commitment to the work of improving food access.

On September 29, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier recognized that dedication at its annual Partner Celebration at Tioga Downs Conference Center. The gathering honored the people and organizations whose service strengthens a network of more than 300 partners across Broome, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins counties.

These partnerships take many forms. Retail recovery partners help ensure food from local stores reaches neighbors. Mobile Food Pantry teams support distributions in their communities. School Food Centers make groceries more accessible to students and families. Nutrition educators and advocates contribute knowledge and support that extend beyond a single meal.

This year’s celebration recognized six honorees for their contributions to food access, nutrition education, innovation, service and advocacy:

• Retail Recovery Award: In His Presence Food Pantry
• JSY Lifetime Achievement Award: Tioga County Rural Ministry
• Mark Lisi MFP Spirit Award: Matt Strack, Victory Highway Mobile Food Pantry
• Mary Pat Dolan Excellence in Innovation Award: Tom Mitchell, Union-Endicott School Food Centers
• Jack Balinsky Charity & Justice Award: Ana Ortiz, No Más Lágrimas
• Community Partner Award: New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo

Together, these honorees reflect the many ways individuals and organizations help strengthen food security. Their work also represents the dedication found throughout the Food Bank’s partner network—in food pantries, schools, community spaces and wherever neighbors turn for support.

The Partner Celebration offered an opportunity to pause, recognize that commitment and thank the people who make this work possible. To our award recipients and every partner across our six-county region: thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and compassion. Your partnership helps build communities where every neighbor has access to the food and support they need.