Registration Opens & Volunteers Needed!
Utica, NY-
United Way of the Mohawk Valley (United Way MV) is gearing up to distribute 1,700 meal boxes for the second of the three-part food distribution series. City of Utica residents in need can sign-up now to reserve their meal box now!
This distribution will take place on February 21, 2021, in West Utica. Once an individual reserves their box, they will receive the exact meal box pick-up location.
These unique meal boxes include ingredients to prepare 5 meals for a family of 5 with corresponding step-by-step recipe cards. United Way has partnered with Casa Imports and Karam Produce, allowing families to expect fresh produce, meat, and other ingredients as part of their meal boxes.
“It is important that government entities, including the City, work in collaboration with our community partners to provide assistance and resources to individuals who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19,” said City of Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri. “I am pleased the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are being utilized to distribute food to residents in need. I commend the United Way for coordinating the food distribution, as well as Casa Imports and Karam Produce for their continued support and generosity.”
United Way’s Take and Make meal boxes will be available to the City of Utica residents by reservation. Families and individuals can access the registration form to reserve their meal box by texting UticaFood to 898-211, visiting www.unitedwaymv.org/uticafood, or calling 1-844-DIAL-211. Full distribution pick-up location and time details will be shared upon registration completion. The distribution will allow for either drive or walk-through pick-up.
“The dishes we made with the meal box recipes and ingredients were so delicious,” said Joslyn, a city of Utica resident and previous meal box recipient. “Living on a low income is a challenge but having this amazing resource available in Utica is a life-saver! I look forward to being able to volunteer for this event in the future.”
At the first distribution of United Way’s Take and Make distribution total of 1,500 boxes or 37,500 meals were given to residents. In this second distribution, United Way was able to increase the number of meal boxes to 1,700, or 42,500 total meals!
“COVID-19 has affected everyone in some way, and many have experienced financial strain. No one, however, should have to worry about access to food,” said Erin Gutierrez Matt, United Way MV CEO. “This food distribution series brings healthy, fresh meals to the tables of thousands of families in our community.”
Volunteers are needed to assist in packing and distributing meal boxes on February 19, 20, and 21. Extra safety measures will be in place, including screening for possible COVID-19 exposure risks and temperature checks upon arrival, limiting the number of volunteers on a shift, sanitizing between shifts, and social distancing. Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days leading into the event or has symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to volunteer.
Volunteers can sign-up through United Way’s Volunteers United online platform. Visit www.unitedwaymv.org/uticafood for volunteer details and to sign-up.
“Volunteers are a big part of lifting this effort,” stated Betty-Joan Beaudry, United Way MV’s Director of Community Impact and 211. “The safety of our staff, volunteer, and community is a top priority, which is why we have implemented protocols to minimize contact and risk. If you have a contact circle that could fill all 8 spots in a shift, this would be a perfect way for your circle to help our community members in need of food!”
The series powered by United Way MV is funded through a grant from the City of Utica out of their Community Development Block Grant CV – CARES Act as part of COVID-19 relief efforts.
For more information on United Way’s Take and Make meal box series visit www.unitedwaymv.org/uticafood.
