The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office has implemented a new approach to combat food insecurity in the county.
In an interview with Finger Lakes News Radio, Sheriff Brian Schenck said his office is again working with APE Scare and Care Inc. to collect food donations for Tomato Fest, which will be distributed to food pantries around the county.
New this year, he launched a “warrant” to nominate people to donate food.
“We'll be distributing fliers that are basically warrants, and anyone in the community can nominate someone for the warrant and have them deliver five cans of non-perishable food to either the sheriff's office or APE Scare and Care at the Finger Lakes Mall as a pre-determined fine,” Schenk said.
The “warrants” are completely voluntary, but Schenk hopes the fun initiative will lead to an increase in donations to Tomato Fest.
“Food and monetary donations made by TomoatoFest volunteers after the event are sent to numerous food pantries throughout the county,” Schenk continued. “Being with the Sheriff's Office and having jurisdiction over the entire county, I'm excited to support this effort to help all of the food pantries in the county.”
Last year, the sheriff's office and APE held a friendly competition to see which group could collect the most cans for Tomato Fest, resulting in a total of 1,600 cans being donated. Tomato Fest officials announced the drive was a tie and will hold a rematch in 2024.
The “Warrant” program will run through TomatoFest on September 7th.
The warranty card can be printed here:
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