Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer to Participate in Mohawk Valley Gives Fundraising Campaign

Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County is taking our commitment to food security and community health a step further by participating in Mohawk Valley Gives, the region’s signature fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise vital support for the Veggie Van, a mobile produce market bringing fresh, local food to underserved neighborhoods across Herkimer County. The Veggie Van offers a range of payment options including SNAP/EBT, FMNP, FreshConnect checks, credit/debit, and cash.

Mohawk Valley Gives is a community‑driven giving campaign hosted by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties in collaboration with UpMobility Foundation. The event runs from September 15th through September 19th.Donors may give securely to participating nonprofits through the online platform.

In January 2024, the New York State Department of Health noted Herkimer County as having the highest percentage of adults who experience food insecurity (outside of New York City) at 28.8 percent.

It is estimated that one in six children are food insecure within our area. In an effort to help alleviate food insecurity, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County, along with backing from community partners, started a pilot project known as the Veggie Van.

The Veggie Van program, featuring West End Farm, is a mobile market initiative aimed at increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce in high need areas. By focusing on underserved neighborhoods and accepting various forms of payment, the Veggie Van reduces barriers to healthy eating and supports community resilience.

In 2024, the Veggie Van served 1,498 residents.

One resident, Heidi Fox, said “I love the Veggie Van so much because they are very conveniently located here in Little Falls. I can get delicious vegetables that are healthy and not as easy to get so fresh and locally grown. It is definitely a treasure to have it here.”

Our 2025 Veggie Van Winter Market served 300 residents and as of September 3rd, 2025, the Veggie Van Summer Program has served 982 residents at eight sites. Each dollar raised goes directly to the program and helps us reach more residents.

This year, we were selected for UpMobility’s Match Incentive for Mohawk Valley Gives! Any dollars raised online for CCE Herkimer’s Veggie Van program, between September 15th and September 19th, 2025, will be eligible for a 2:1 match.

By participating in Mohawk Valley Gives, CCE Herkimer can elevate the Veggie Van’s profile and mobilize community support. Please visit our profile here: https://www.givemv.org/organizations/cornell-cooperative-extension-of-herkimer-county

For information about the Veggie Van’s schedule, check out our site here: https://blogs.cornell.edu/cceherkimer/programs/local-foods/veggie-van/

Your gift helps ensure continued access to healthy, affordable food and fortifies the local food system.