Schenectady wraps summer food program, planning for fall

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -After ten weeks of delivering fresh food, the Schenectady City School District had its final drive of the summer. NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski rode along on the Farm to Family Wheels truck to visit some of the local stops.

The Farms to Family Wheels tour was created as parents and students have been struggling with food insecurity outside of the classroom. "One thing I would share with Schenectady is that we are rich in resources. What we're doing here is really bringing those resources right to our families," stated Dr. Carlos M. Cotto Jr., Superintendent.

So, the school brings food into the community. There are a few central stops like Jerry Burrell Park where kids and their parents can pick up some free food. 

"We see a lot of people and we've been giving out thousands and thousands of pounds of fresh local produce, meat, dairy, honey, jams, everything," described Rebekka Henriksen, Farm to School Project Manager.

Rishal, a local resident who stopped by the public library, said these deliveries make a huge difference. "I saved over $1,200 in the last two months so it's a very good thing."

Students are also involved with the program. Ajax Smith and Kalab Rejack designed the logo for the food truck; a symbol of togetherness in the Electric City. "As someone who is definitely struggling in times like this right now, I think it's very good that there's options like this," explained Smith.

Farms to Family Wheels will return in the fall. Schenectady City School District told NEWS10 that the tour will run during September and October.