SVHC Newsletter - November 2025
november 2025
The mission of SVHC is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.
SNAP Benefits update
As of this writing, a U.S. District court judge ordered the federal government to issue full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eligible recipients. New York has begun issuing full SNAP benefits, and households can expect to receive benefits this week, if they have not already.
Information on the situation has changed rapidly. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is posting updates to their website to help keep the public informed.
Benefit payments beyond November still remain uncertain as long as the federal government is shutdown. While Seven Valleys Health Coalition has been working to support our community during this food crisis, it is important to note that no local food program can provide the same level of assistance as SNAP. Feeding America estimates that for every meal provided by a food bank or pantry, SNAP provides nine. With approximately 6,000 SNAP recipients in Cortland County, SNAP is a critical program to feed hungry families.
During this time, SVHC staff have been collaborating with elected officials, keeping the pantry information up to date on 2-1-1, communicating with our community, distributing food to area pantries with an increased focus on dairy and eggs, as well as accepting non-perishable food donations from the community and redistributing to the area pantries.
Through Seven Valleys Food Rescue, we have worked over the years to create the necessary storage facilities, systems, relationships with vendors and farmers, and volunteer base to support the community. This coordination and infrastructure becomes critically necessary in a crisis. Through 2-1-1, we serve as a critical information source in Cortland County, which provides a live operator 24/7 to respond to calls and connect residents to resources.
SVHC Executive Director Jackie Cooper, joined Senator Lea Webb, the office of Assemblymember Anna Kelles, Cortland county officials, the Food Bank of Central NY and Catholic Charities of Cortland County at a press conference this week to share updates. We will continue to work together with our partners through the current situation and beyond.
SVFR Food Giveaway
The need for food in our community remains. Seven Valleys Food Rescue will host a drive-through food giveaway event on Thurs. Nov. 20 from noon to 2 PM at the food rescue hub, 174 Homer Ave, Cortland. The distribution will focus on meat and dairy items. Please share within your networks!
story slam
Feeling frustrated in the current food crisis?
Come enjoy a night of storytelling, be in community, and help raise funds for Seven Valleys Health Coalition food programs!
Even better, tell your story!
Story Slam combines the casual vibe of an open mic with YOUR true 5-minute stories. We'll laugh, cry, or reflect together. Both storytellers and listeners welcome. If you want to tell a story, let us know by emailing Anna at anna@sevenvalleyshealth.org - or you can sign up at the door.
Event Theme: Faking It
As the Ake Gallery presents Remastered, "an original art exhibition featuring imaginative misinterpretations of famous art," we invite stories of when you faked it. Have you ever had to "fake it til you make it"? Had imposter syndrome? Got caught with a fake ID? Interpretations on the theme welcome!
📆Date: Thursday, Nov. 13
🕖Time: 7 - 9 PM, doos open 6:15 PM
📍Location: Ake Gallery
Lower level, Crescent Commons Blg.
165 Main St, Cortland
Tickets are by donation, with a suggested minimum donation of $10. All proceeds will benefit the food programs of Seven Valleys Health Coalition. Beer, wine, soda and snacks available by donation.
nominate a rural health champion
National Rural Health Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of November to bring attention to the beautiful landscape and unique healthcare needs of rural America.
As we celebrate National Rural Health Day on Nov. 20, 2025, Seven Valleys Health Coalition wants to recognize the dedicated, innovative, and mission-driven health professionals working in Cortland County.
Do you know someone who goes the extra mile for patients/clients? Takes the extra time? Has found innovative approaches to improve the health of Cortland County residents?
Nominate them for recognition as a Rural Health Champion today! Nominees can be healthcare providers, policy makers, health educators, nonprofit professionals, or community members who are making an impact every day.
Seven Valleys Health Coalition will choose up to three (3) nominees and highlight their work and impact in the community through our newsletter and social media in November. All nominees will be notified of their nomination and receive a note of appreciation for their hard work. Nomination deadline: Monday, Nov. 17.
JOIN OUR TEAM
SVHC is excited to announce an opening for a full-time Social Care Navigator. We were able to update our previously posted part-time Social Care Navigator position to a full-time position. This position will support SVHC's role in the regional social care networks as part of the Medicaid 1115 waiver program. If you are looking to make a meaningful impact in your community while working in a dynamic and supportive environment, apply now!
Produce Prescription (PRx) Wraps Up its 6th Season
The Produce Prescription (PRx) programs provides fresh, locally-grown vegetables at no-cost to food insufficient households in the Cortland County community. As this year's growing season concludes, SVHC is "raising a carrot" to 6 years of the program! In 2025, 55 households of 160 people received 22 weekly delivered bags, totaling about 8,856 pounds of vegetables which provides more than 7,000 meals.
Throughout the season, recipients also received a cookbook and bi-weekly e-newsletters to help them understand the vegetables in their bags and how to prepare them. Thanks to our farm partners, Main Street Farms and Freetown Food Forest, for another great season!
New York Food Rescue Network Conference BRINGS TOGETHER FOOD RESCUE LEADERS
On November 5, Seven Valleys Food Rescue hosted the 2025 New York Food Rescue Network (NYFRN) Conference, “Sharing Our Abundances,” a free, one-day virtual conference that brought together leaders, community agencies and individuals to learn, grow, and connect across sectors pertaining to food rescue, food waste, and food insecurity. NYFRN was proud to welcome Karen Washington as the keynote presentation.
Below is a snapshot of some of the great presentations! Unable to attend? Recordings and resources will be posted to the NYFRN website next week.
The month in pictures
This month, we hosted the Guthrie Maternity Oasis Mobile (MOM) unit, providing OB/GYN care at no-cost to individuals. In conjunction with the MOM unit visit, we hosted a food giveaway, providing 180 households with over 4,000 pounds of produce, dairy, and pantry staples, feeding 535 individuals.
We are deeply grateful to our volunteers who pack giveaway bags, make weekly deliveries to local food pantries, and glean vegetables from area farms!
Mighty Molar and SVHC staff had a great time at the Trunk or Treat event in downtown Cortland, sharing 'better for you treats,' toothbrushes, and bookmarks with oral health tips to about 600 kids!
Seven Valleys Health Coalition is honored to participate in Cortland Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Day. The need for our work is clearer than ever as families rely on access to healthy food, essential healthcare, and critical support services.
Help us create a community in which all individuals are empowered to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Donate today!
Philanthropy Day gifts must be $100 or more to qualify for the campaign and be received by Nov. 15. Please note Seven Valleys Health Coalition as the recipient.
Connect with Us
Our mission is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.
Seven Valleys Health Coalition
10 Kennedy Parkway
Cortland, NY 13045
Phone: (607) 756-4198
Fax: (607) 344-0048