Guthrie Cortland Medical Center Hosts Community Food Drive to Fight Food Insecurity

Guthrie Cortland Medical Center (GCMC) thanks its caregivers and the community for their overwhelming support in the fight against food insecurity. Partnering with Seven Valleys Health Coalition (SVHC), Guthrie invited caregivers and the community to donate food, hygiene, and other household items. The result was more than 1,400 pounds of food, which according to SVHC, equals approximately 1,700 meals for our neighbors in need. 

Guthrie believes that good health begins with healthy eating, but with the rising cost of food, especially healthy options, some families are faced with difficult decisions. “At Guthrie, we believe we have a responsibility to our community neighbors,” said Jennifer Yartym, SVP, Guthrie Cortland Medical Center President. “Their health is our top priority, whether it’s inside our hospital walls or at their dinner table.” 

From Dec. 1-19, collection bins were placed in the Guthrie Cortland Medical Center Lobby. All donated items were delivered to Seven Valleys Health Coalition (SVHC) for distribution to families in the Cortland area through eight Cortland County feeding programs. 

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with Guthrie Cortland Medical Center on this year’s holiday food drive,” said Adrianne Traub, SVHC Food System Project Manager. “Approximately 15.5% of people in Cortland County live in poverty, with childhood poverty rising to 19.3%. Not only does this partnership provide direct assistance to families, it also raises awareness about the difficulties that many of our community members face on a regular basis.” 

Seven Valleys Health Coalition distributes food to the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Loaves and Fishes, Phillip’s Free Library, McGraw Food Pantry, Bread of Life Food Pantry, Grace Brown House, and Preble Calvary Baptist Church.