Broome County, NY – For the sixth year, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, CHOW, Broome-Tioga BOCES School Nutrition Services, The Leadership Alliance, and Broome County are teaming up to provide holiday meals for local families this holiday season. The group will raise funds until the 18^th of December with a goal to provide 425 boxes. Most boxes are given out through referrals from local schools, while 42 of the boxes will be distributed to local veterans using funds from the Broome County Veterans Project.

Boxes will include a turkey, stuffing, corn, cranberry sauce, and sparkling cider, all provided by CHOW. Dessert will be sourced from area bakeries, and produce including potatoes, carrots, onions, and apples will be purchased from local farmers to be included in the boxes. Partners will gather the week of December 15^th to assemble and distribute the boxes. Information on the Holiday Giving Boxes will be available at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market during market hours.

Donations can be made via the Holiday Giving Box donation web page. A donation of $50 will provide one entire meal for a family, but donations of any amount are accepted and appreciated. Corporate sponsorships are also welcomed.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “My office is proud to be working with these dedicated community partners on the Holiday Giving Box initiative, especially at a time when food insecurity is at an all-time high. Now in its sixth year, this annual tradition continues to address a real need in the community while supporting our local farmers and bakeries. Thank you to all of the partners and community members who come together to make this happen.”

Tara Kenyon, Associate Director of Programs, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County said, "CCE Broome is honored to continue our involvement in this initiative for the sixth consecutive year. In addition to helping families within our community in need, the Holiday Giving Box also supports our local farmers by procuring fresh produce that enhances the nutritional value of holiday meals." 

Les Aylesworth, Director of CHOW said, “Times continue to be hard for those who struggle to make ends meet. The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but that can’t happen if you’re hungry. That is why CHOW is proud to partner with these great organizations working together to bring love and hope to so many families in a box – a Holiday Giving Box!”

Julie Raway, Registered Dietitian, B-T BOCES School Nutrition Services said, “We want to ensure that all students and their families enjoy a delicious holiday meal this season while supporting local farmers by incorporating their fresh products into the holiday giving boxes.”

Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance, said “Every year, the Holiday Giving Box initiative reminds us of what community is all about--showing up for one another. The Leadership Alliance is grateful to stand alongside these dedicated partners to ensure more families can gather around a full holiday table. We invite our business community to join us in our goal to support 425 families this season.”

Tom Mitchell, Coordinator Union Endicott Family Support & Food Center said, "The UE Family Support & Food Center has benefited from this initiative for the past four years.As we all know, our Country's food situation is at a critical time and has created a double-edged sword. Folks losing their benefits means more trips to Food Centers and Pantries. At the same time these same services are receiving less to stock their shelves. More people with less food to give out. This is now coinciding with the holidays, causing an even bigger need. Initiatives like the Holiday Giving Box Campaign are key to easing this burden."