A partnership that proved popular last year is returning.
O’Connor Hospital in Delhi “is continuing to invest in the nutrition, health, and wellness of community members by partnering for the second summer in a program that provides boxes of farm-fresh food to seniors across Delaware County,” a news release from the hospital said.
The hospital has so far provided more than $28,000 in funding to the community initiative, which is overseen by the Delaware County Office for the Aging and New York Connects, in cooperation with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education of New York and Schoharie Valley Farms.
Under the program, produce grown, harvested and cleaned, and assembled in boxes at Schoharie Valley Farms is delivered to distribution sites, where the food is delivered to seniors by Delaware Opportunities Dining Centers or home delivery.
Seniors who participate spoke of the value of the service.
“The food is great, especially the strawberries. I enjoy anything that’s grown in the garden,” said Cheryl Bryand, whose address was listed only as “Delaware County.”
“My deliveries have been on time and easy. I’m appreciative. This is my first year participating and I’m going to continue,” said Ellen Adams of East Branch.
“The people involved are very kind and helpful. Not only is the food nice, but receiving it from local farmers makes you feel part of the community,” said Kip Shaw of Delhi. “This service makes summertime in Delaware County even sweeter.”
This year’s distributions began June 5 and are expected to continue bi-weekly into the autumn months, according to the release. Last year, the pilot year for program saw more than 2,300 boxes of produce distributed to about 200 individuals across Delaware County.