The support that we are receiving from partners, community members, and people like you is inspiring. You are making an incredible difference in the lives of those we serve during this challenging time.

While planning and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has felt like an ultimate test, there have been beautiful shining moments that demonstrate the strength of our community and team. Our partners at United Way of Tompkins County immediately responded to our emergent need to deliver emergency meals to our clients in the event of service disruptions related to the pandemic. With UWTC’s support we were able to pack 8,750 frozen meals to provide all of our clients with a 14-day emergency supply of meals. During these times of uncertainty, providing emergency meals to our older adult neighbors is critical. Our food distribution vendors, board members, and community volunteers came together to make this possible within hours.

We have a tremendous amount of gratitude for the creativity and innovative collaborations that are happening literally overnight. We are working with our partners at County Office for the Aging to provide reassurance phone calls to our clients. Our friends at the Southern Tier Foodbank are packing emergency meal boxes for many of our clients. Our county officials are keeping us informed and are in constant communication. Community members are making us masks, and donating safety supplies to us. We are receiving cards and emails of encouragement from many of you daily. Your words are powerful and give us fuel to continue navigating our operations during this unprecedented time.

Our clients inspire us everyday to work in ways that we have never done before. Our operations look a bit different right now with all the safety precautions that we have in place, but we are still smiling under these safety masks. We are smiling at each other, our clients, and you.

We are all in this together. Our sincerest gratitude for your gifts that provide a dependable pathway to food security for those we serve. In March, we made the decision to cancel our famous Mac ‘n Cheese Bowl fundraiser, but invite everyone to contribute to our close the gap campaign. Today, we are at 59% of our $15,000 goal. Gifts to our general annual fund are welcomed too!

With gratitude,

Jessica F. Gosa
Executive Director