EAST AURORA, N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County 4-H poultry members donated 61 chickens and 19 turkeys to local food banks in Erie County recently.
The past 3 years have been full of lessons and life experiences for Erie County 4-H members. The market poultry members decided to make their yearly community service project one that will provide nourishment to local families. Members raise 2 chickens and or 1 turkey in addition to their 4-H market projects, that are then processed and distributed to local food pantries in the members communities. With the help of FeedMore WNY, the processed products were picked up from the processor and then delivered to the food pantries.
A few members assisted with the first delivery, where they learned about how the food pantry works and who it services. Brendan Speller, FeedMore WNY Product Sourcing Coordinator talked with the 4-H’ers and shared “Food donations offer a way to fight hunger as well as meet the nutritional needs of individuals and families. Donations like the ones provided by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County’s 4-H program provide more than just food. Many of us are fortunate enough to know what it feels like to share a good meal with the people you love. Sitting down to a meal with friends or family often coincides with sharing your day, laughing together and growing closer with one another. These moments are special and have a lasting impact beyond the meal itself. The 4-H program’s donation offers families in need a nutritious meal and an opportunity to make wonderful memories.”
Members fed and cared for the birds and paid for the processing along with keeping financial records for their project. Members of the Erie County 4-H Poultry program have donated over 200 quality poultry products over the past 3 years.
For more information about the Erie County 4-H Program, visit: http://erie.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development.
–Tammi Kron, Cornell Cooperative Extension