The Southern Adirondack Library System works with two regional food distribution networks – the Comfort Food Community and Capitol Roots’ Squash Hunger Program – to reduce food waste by rescuing food. The food gleaned from local farms is shared through libraries located in rural food deserts to alleviate the challenges of food insecurity and food access.
Begun as a pilot program in 2017 after a conversation with Glens Falls Hospital, the initiative addresses health disparities in areas where people depend on subprime groceries (think Dollar Stores and gas stations) for food. In 2021, 10 member-libraries share local fresh food with our communities.
Southern Adirondack Library System works to get fresh food from farms to library patrons.