The Food Bank of CNY, in coordination with grocery stores and produce wholesalers, delivers fresh produce and perishable food items to 18 distribution sites. The primary purpose of the Fresh Foods program is to increase the consumption of nutritious foods. In 2005, the Fresh Foods program served 18,803 households for a total of 56,725 individuals.

A driver from the Food Bank visits each Wegman’s store daily to pick up food items that they can no longer sell. Each site makes the commitment to accept a regularly scheduled delivery each month. Once the truck arrives at the distribution site, volunteers help to unload and sort the food before participants begin “shopping”. The distribution is open to everyone, and there are no income guidelines to follow. Food is always provided completely free of charge.

Site coordinators are required to attend a food safety training and an annual orientation provided by the Food Bank. Coordinators are responsible for publicizing the distribution within their community, recruiting volunteers, and reporting the number of individuals served at the distribution.

The Fresh Foods program salvages food that would otherwise be discarded and offers individuals the opportunity to receive nutritious food.