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For immediate release                                                                                                                                                   Contact: Jay M. Matteson

Date: December 17, 2020                                                                                                                                               Phone: 315-782-5865

 

 

Food Distribution Event Scheduled for January 6, 2021

“Hope Begins”

 

Watertown, NY. Jefferson County Economic Development, American Dairy Association Northeast, and Jefferson Community College are hosting a public food distribution event for those in need on Wednesday January 6, 2021. The “Hope Begins” food distribution event will start at 1pm in Parking Lot C on the Jefferson Community College Campus. A snow date of January 7 at 1pm is planned if necessary. 

 

People should arrive at the Jefferson Community College campus and remain in their vehicles. Cars are directed to enter the College campus at the main entrance at the stop light on Coffeen Street, just off exit 46 on Interstate 81. Volunteers and signs will direct vehicles as to where to park. Do not move your vehicle until specifically directed to do so. When distribution starts, a volunteer will direct each car to pull up to the distribution line and volunteers will place boxes of food containing meats, fluid milk, and dairy products into vehicles.  There may be other food products included as donations from food companies are confirmed.  It is anticipated that enough food will be available to serve 500 vehicles.   Only one box of each type of product will be provided per vehicle. Multiple families in a vehicle will not be able to receive multiple boxes so it is advised to have one family per vehicle.

 

All the food and milk has been graciously donated by private companies and individuals.  Jay Matteson, Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator for Jefferson County Economic Development, indicated that it was amazing to have so many companies quickly step up to make massive donations within a short amount of time.  He credited Lucki7 Livestock Company and the Winkler Family, Midway International Logistics, Great Lakes Cheese Company, Cabot Cheese Company, Byrne Dairy, Hannaford Supermarket, Top’s Supermarket, HP Hood, Mento Produce, Renzi’s Food Distributors, United Way of Watertown, The Salvation Army, Dairy Farmer’s of America, and a Canadian Company – Regal Poultry, with making the donations to make the event possible.  Matteson states, “Hope does begin in this new year thanks to these companies. Their contributions will give families desperately needed help to start the year in a positive direction.”   Matteson cited American Dairy Association Northeast, Midway International Logistics and Jefferson Community College saying, “the event would not be happening without the contributions of these organizations. They are incredible.”

 

New York State Senator Patty Ritchie (48th District) offered her support for the program saying, “In the wake of the pandemic, there are so many families that are struggling,” said Senator Patty Ritchie. “This event will not only provide them with the essentials they need, it also will let them know that as we enter the New Year, their community is there to support them. I would like to thank all involved in coordinating this important effort, as well as the businesses that are generously donating to help those in need.”  

Jefferson Community College President, Dr. Ty A. Stone, has provided strong support by hosting the event at Jefferson Community College. Dr. Stone says, "I am so pleased we have the volunteers and space to host another drive-through food distribution at Jefferson. We hope this will help to provide a positive start in the new year for families in need."

A map to the Jefferson Community College Campus is available here

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