ABOUT Us
What We Do
Seven Valleys Food Rescue (SVFR) picks-up excess healthy food from local food donors across Cortland County and delivers it to local organizations and community programs that feed food insecure community members.
Who We Are
The essence of our good work is built on a foundation of awesome volunteers, local community partners, regional collaborations, and two SVFR staff members.
How We Began
Seven Valleys Food Rescue, a program of Seven Valleys Health Coalition, began in 2019 through partnership with the City of Cortland and with NYS Department of Conservation (NYSDEC) funding. SVFR developed out of Seven Valleys Health Coalition’s Cortland Food Project Rescue and Waste Program conducted in collaboration the City of Cortland and the Cortland Food Project group through a NYSDEC Municipal Food Scraps Reduction, Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling program.
Our Guideposts
Keep It Fresh
We emphasize nutrition and health by focusing on fresh produce and other perishables as our main source of food items we rescue and give away.
Collaboration
We work with a variety of partners to support existing networks, estblish new ones, and reduce duplication.
All Are Welcome
We promote accessible and equitable food access for all community members.
Reliablility
We show up when and where we are needed.
Donate
Local producer or food retail site?
Calling all local grocers, restaurants, caterers, farmers’ markets, and food corporations! Let us know about available fresh food you may have for donation by clicking the button below or call us at 607-756-4198.
Local Gardener or Homesteader?
Did you happen to grow a bit extra this year and want to share your bounty? We take direct donations of produce. Connect with us today and kiss your yearly zucchini problem goodbye!
Wild Game Meat Donation
Calling all hunters! We are available to help distribute to neighbors in need, any edible game meat that you may have in excess this hunting season. Call us at 607-756-4198 or connect with us over email by clicking the button below to get started!
Financial Support
Looking to support SVFR financially? Head to our support page to learn more about how to make a donation.
With your help, we have to date (2026):
Distributed
314,738
pounds of food.
Established
35+
local partners.
Eliminated
139,562
pounds of food waste.
Provided the equivalent of
262,282
meals.
REceive
Become a recipient site!
If you are a local food pantry, soup kitchen, childcare center, or an organization serving low-income community members, let us know your food needs and details for delivery by clicking the button below or calling us at 607-756-4198.
Volunteer with us
By volunteering with SVFR you’ll not only be helping to reduce hunger in your community but also supporting a healthy environment by helping us reduce the amount of organic waste that goes into the local landfill.
The success of our food rescue work depends on reliable volunteers who can work both independently and in cooperation with SVFR leaders and partners. Seven Valleys Food Rescue (SVFR) cannot operate without the volunteers who dedicate their time to rescuing food and reducing hunger in our community.
Considering joining us?
Volunteer activities may include:
Doing a food rescue run (picking up and dropping off food)
Sorting and bagging/boxing rescued food
Helping to glean (pick) food from farms, gardens, or yards
Helping connect SVFR to food that needs to be rescued and/or new distribution partners/sites
Below you will find the online waiver form that you will need to fill out and submit to get started as an SVFR volunteer as well as FAQ area of common questions asked.
If you are feeling like you need additional support to get you started, we’re available and happy to help! Contact us at (607) 756-4198 or email avery@sevenvalleyshealth.org.
Volunteer FAQ
Please click on the “+” to view FAQs
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Yes! We welcome all types of abilities, and we work hard to make sure accessibility and safety are our top priorities. Please note any limitations or concerns that you have on your volunteer waiver form so that we can be mindful during food rescue activities and make sure you have an enjoyable and successful time volunteering.
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Volunteers play a vital role in reducing hunger in Cortland County and greenhouse gases by helping surplus food be diverted away from landfills and toward people facing food insecurity. We’re in need of “all hands on deck” to help make Cortland a healthier place to work, live, and play. Also, volunteering has been noted to be a depression- and stress-busting activity as well as one that helps you feel more connected to your community and can increase your physical activity.escription text goes here
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When you sign up to volunteer, you will be asked about your availability and how often you can volunteer. You can elect to fill a shift(s) as they become available. Volunteer shifts are usually between 30 and 90 minutes in length.
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Most of our food rescue shifts do require a vehicle to help transport rescued food. As we grow, we hope to have more volunteer opportunities that do not require personal wheels. For those shifts that do not require a vehicle, we will make a note on the shift calendar that a vehicle is not required. Volunteers will still have the responsibility of getting to and from the volunteer site if the shift requires such.
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Yes! We love having family members volunteer together. We just ask to make sure the shift you volunteer for is age-appropriate and that you have signed a waiver for each underage volunteer. Please note, volunteers over the age of 18 do not need a parent or guardian to sign off on their waiver.
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Yes! Currently, we accept fresh food from backyard gardeners, farmers, food processors, restaurants and grocers.
If you hire a licensed caterer for your event and have surplus food that has not been served and has been kept at the proper temperature, the caterer can participate in community food rescue by contacting us.
ConNECT WITH US
Please connect with Avery McLoud for additional support and assistance with Seven Valleys Food Rescue and local food insecurity efforts.
Phone: (607) 756-4198
Email: avery@sevenvalleyshealth.org