Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County is bringing back its New York Food for New York Families ‘Grow Chautauqua’ food distribution events.

A recipient of the NY Food for NY Families funding from the U.S. Agriculture Department and New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell Cooperative Extension will partner with several area community organizations and local farmers for the launch of the program. Main partner Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce will work to assist in procurement of New York and Chautauqua County grown, raised, and produced products, as well as packaging 500 individual boxes of said product for distribution weekly.

The New York Food for New York Families Program will maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency in New York state. The funding is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program.

Main distribution events will continue through July 21. Local food will be offered to all community members at no charge, and identification or proof of income is not required. Food boxes will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, and are not guaranteed. Boxes will include a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, varying week to week based on the WNY growing season, as well as locally produced products such as cheese, jams, bread, maple syrup, honey, and meat products.

Chautauqua County Rural Ministry Inc., located on Washington Ave in Dunkirk, will distribute boxes weekly on Wednesdays, starting at noon. Friendship Baptist Church of Dunkirk, on Second Street, will begin distributions April 2 and continue Wednesdays at 11 a.m. .

The Jamestown Public Market will begin distribution at two locations Fridays: 2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 410 N. Main St.; and 3 p.m. at Blackwell Chapel, 610 Spring St.

Ripley Public Library will be distributing a total of 100 food boxes to community members on Saturdays starting at 10 a.m.

Cornell Cooperative Extension will continue to procure as much produce and food products local to the county as possible. As this season starts early in spring, products will include hydroponic greens, herbs, local meat products, local cheese and baked goods, and jams/jellies.

All farms and producers are compensated via the grant for products at full market value. Farmers contributing to the program include: Yerico Farms; Hidden Valley Produce; Abers Acres; Roberto Fred Farms; Ellicottville Greens; Lizzie Byler; Rosie Joy; Roo Haven Farms; Andrew Munch; Artsy Garden; Eden Valley Creamery; Snowbelt Gardens; Gage Farms; Miller’s Apples; and the Clymer Produce Auction.