SUNY Cortland hosted dairy distribution on May 4

05/04/2020

SUNY Cortland hosted a dairy distribution event on Monday, May 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.

It’s widely recognized in the Cortland community that plenty of people are struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic and need access to essential foods. Several local dairy producers donated food for this event.

The group of dairy producers gave away 500 bags of products, including milk, cheese and yogurt.

Key details:

Community members arrived in vehicles and entered Pashley Drive from Broadway. The Tompkins St. entrance and the Route 281 entrance to campus were closed during this event.
Follow posted instructions and commands from police and fire personnel on scene.
Proper social distancing, safety, and public health hygiene practices were adhered to throughout the event. Masks were required to participate.
Solo walkers were permitted.
One free pre-packaged bag of dairy items and milk per vehicle or household were distributed while supplies last.

Dairy distribution volunteers — Volunteers distributed dairy products on May 4, 2020.

Monetary donations were also being accepted by the United Way for Cortland County to continue supplying free dairy to those in need in Cortland County, including through local food pantries.

“SUNY Cortland is eager to help in whatever way it can during this very challenging time,” SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum said. “I applaud the efforts of Seven Valleys Health Coalition and all of the organizations and people involved in helping our greater community meet this need.”

The planning committee and donors include: ASC of SUNY Cortland, Byrne Dairy, Cabot, Chobani, City of Cortland, Cornell Dairy, Cortland Breakfast Rotary, Cortland Community Foundation, Cortland County, Cortland County Dairy Community, Cortland Noon Rotary, County Dairy Promotion Committee, Dairy Farmers of America, Great Lakes Cheese, Kraft, National Farmers Organization, Meghan Henry-Park Family Farm, Seven Valleys Health Coalition, SUNY Cortland, Town of Cortlandville, Trinity Valley Dairy, United Way for Cortland County, Upstate Niagara Cooperative and numerous other volunteers and donors.

Contact the Seven Valleys Health Coalition at 607-756-4198 for more information.

Prepared by Communications Office writing intern Erica Mirlas