On a recent Sunday morning, as frost glistened outside, the first of roughly 200 patrons made their way through Enfield Food Distribution. This former 1948 fire house on Enfield Main Road, eight miles west of Ithaca, has seen a remarkable transformation. Once serving a relatively small number of clients in a week, it now welcomes 600 patrons weekly and distributes an astonishing 2 million pounds of food annually. Patrons load their shopping carts with a diverse range of items including fresh produce, canned goods, potatoes, onions, meat, bakery items, bottled water, and for some, a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Expanding to Meet the Demand

The pandemic led to the closure of other sites, and Jean Owens, the director of Enfield Food Distribution, along with a team of dedicated volunteers, stepped up to welcome all comers. They began taking online orders and packing boxes for drive-through pickup. Demand quickly tripled, with some customers lining up two hours before opening on winter days and traveling as far as 50 miles. Owens even had to stop people from camping the night before to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the distribution center.Over the last several years, a team of Cornell faculty and students has been working closely with Owens to meet this growing need. Inflation has only exacerbated the situation, straining the center's capacity. The current location, with its scant parking, proximity to an active fire station, and high-speed traffic on the road, poses safety concerns. Owens hopes to build a new, larger structure on agricultural land up the road. This new facility will not only continue to distribute food but also serve as a community resource hub, empowering guests with gardens, nutrition classes, a kitchen, and other valuable programs.

Providing Fresh and Diverse Options

Enfield Food Distribution offers much more than just canned goods and meat. The fresh produce section is a highlight, with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables sourced from local farmers. This ensures that patrons have access to the freshest and healthiest food options. The bakery items are also a crowd favorite, with delicious bread, pastries, and cakes that add a touch of sweetness to every shopping trip. The meat and dairy items are of high quality, providing customers with the protein and dairy products they need. In addition to these staple items, the distribution center also offers a selection of non-food items such as cleaning supplies and personal care products, making it a one-stop shop for many families.

Empowering the Community

The vision for Enfield Food Distribution goes beyond just providing food. By building a new community resource hub, Owens aims to empower guests with the knowledge and skills to lead healthier lives. The gardens will allow them to grow their own food, promoting self-sufficiency and a connection to the land. The nutrition classes will provide valuable information on healthy eating and cooking, helping families make better food choices. The kitchen will be a place where community members can come together to prepare meals and share stories, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This holistic approach to food distribution is making a significant impact on the lives of those who rely on Enfield Food Distribution.