Helping Make Sure Our Neighbors Have Food on the Table
Food insecurity can affect anyone. A lost shift, an unexpected car repair, rising housing costs or another household expense can leave less money available for groceries.
For families already stretching limited resources, food can become one of the few places left to cut.
At United Way of Northern New York, we believe access to nutritious food is fundamental to the health and stability of individuals, families and communities. That’s why we work with schools, food pantries, businesses, volunteers and community partners to strengthen food access across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties.
Meeting Needs in Different Ways
There is no single solution to food insecurity. Our work ranges from helping meet an immediate need to mobilizing entire communities and strengthening the systems that connect people with food.
Community Food Drive
Each June, businesses, volunteers and neighbors come together to help stock food pantries across Northern New York ahead of increased need in the summer months when school meals are not available.
In 2026, Community Food Drives in Watertown and Potsdam collected more than 23,000 food and personal-care items for 50 pantries across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties.
Food 4 Families
When school isn’t in session, some children lose access to an important source of nutritious meals. Through our partnership with the Watertown City School District, Food 4 Families provides easy-to-prepare food for weekends and school breaks.
The program helps bridge the gap between school and home, giving families extra support and helping children return ready to learn.
Meals with a Mission
At Jefferson-Lewis BOCES, students are putting their skills to work to help families within their own school community.
Hospitality Services students prepare frozen, family-sized meals while Visual Communications students create the labels and materials that accompany them. The result is hands-on learning with a meaningful purpose.