CHENANGO COUNTY - The New York Army National Guard started a two week mission to assist the Chenango County Area Agency on Aging Tuesday, and officials said the national guard will be delivering food as part of an effort to meet growing needs for food delivery demands.

According to Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matthew Beckwith, during the COVID-19 situation, volunteers have been distributing food to residents of Chenango County through the Home Delivered Meal Program.

Beckwith said the New York Army National Guard has agreed to help distribute food, and that residents who normally receive food at a distribution center will have it delivered to their doorstep instead.

“The Area Agency on Aging is currently providing meals to 275 people a week,” said Beckwith. “We’re finding that the number of volunteers is dwindling, but the demand is growing.”

He said through a coordinated effort between the Area Agency on Aging, Chenango County Emergency Management, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the New York Army National Guard, the volunteers will be receiving a much deserved break from delivering meals.

The New York Army National Guard will begin their deliveries today, read more about the deliveries in tomorrow’s edition of The Evening Sun.