SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus, Roots & Wings, and Cornell Cooperative Extension are partnering to hold a free Dairy and Agriculture Drive-thru for the community. There will be 3 drive-thru events taking place at 2 p.m. on May 7, May 21, and June 4 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. (Submitted Photo)

NORWICH – SUNY Morrisville has found a way to aid dairy farmers in the distribution of product while providing a much needed resource to the community.

At 2 p.m on May 7, May 21, and June 4 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus, Roots & Wings, and Cornell Cooperative Extension are partnering to hold a free Dairy and Agriculture Drive-thru for the community.

Lindsey Lefevre, director of the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus said, “We are distributing dairy products such as milk from Upstate Farms, Chobani yogurt, and Cabot sour cream for this first drive. We are buying other dairy products such as cream cheese, cheddar cheese and butter from the Sherburne Big M and eggs are being purchased from Smith Quality Eggs. Norwich Meadow Farms is supplying 900 lbs of potatoes. As we continue to hold these drives, we will be purchasing product from additional producers as well.”

The drive-thru will last until supplies runs out. Patrons are asked not to line up before the start time for the event.

“Due to the tremendous support of local foundations and individual donors, we will be able to distribute at least 300 bags of products at each of the three drives. We will continue to accept donations in the hopes that we will be able to exceed that number,” said Lefevre.

Patrons will be given one bag per car. Items will be placed in the trunk of each vehicle. Proper social distancing, safety and public health hygiene practices will be adhered to throughout the event. Patrons must remain in their vehicles at all times.

According to SUNY Morrisville, items will vary from week to week, based on donations, with plans to include butter, cheese, milk, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and nonperishable items for each family that participates. Chobani has committed to donating 100 cases of yogurt per drive-thru event. Additionally, the R.C. Smith Foundation, along with two additional anonymous foundations, have donated nearly $10,000 toward this effort.

Local businesses, including Preferred Mutual Insurance, in addition to dozens of individual donors, have raised an additional $3,500 to purchase local products for the drive. If interested in donating towards this effort go to www.morrisville.edu/norwich-drive.

“Thanks to the early support of the Big M in Sherburne and to the Chenango County Ag Society and Tuller’s Catering for the use of the grounds and space at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Without all of this support, none of this would be possible,” Lefevre said.


Lefevre said the goal of the drive is to address the financial strain by supporting the local dairy and agricultural industry during this time as well as to provide access to those in-need living in our community with healthy food choices.

“Food pantries typically have difficulty in securing and distributing perishable food items and these drive-thru events are helping to address this,” said Lefevre.