Marathon Food Pantry

10/15/2026

We received a Press Release on HEAP Heating Equipment Benefits for 2026-27. The image is a bit hard to read... so here's the most important points:

2026–27 HEAP 🍁🍂 Heating Equipment Benefits! 🍁🍂
• Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR) and
• Clean & Tune (C&T) benefits.

What’s Covered:
• Clean & Tune: Help cleaning and tuning your primary heating equipment or chimney.
• Repair & Replacement: Help fixing or replacing broken furnaces or boilers.
⚠️ Important: All work must be pre-approved by the Cortland HEAP Department before it begins. Payments are made directly to approved vendors.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:
• Must be a resident and homeowner.
• Heating equipment must be more than 12 months old.
• Equipment/chimney hasn't been cleaned in the last 12 months.
• No active service contract covering clean/tune services.

📞 How to Apply:
For eligibility info or to apply, contact Cortland County HEAP at (607) 428-5400.

10/13/2026

10/13/26
Rising prices are squeezing responsible, full-time workers out of their grocery budgets. We can help.

10/13/2026

We are celebrating a massive harvest of fresh butternut squash at the pantry this week with this simple, all-in-one autumn meal!

This recipe is the perfect way to enjoy that sweet, tender squash alongside juicy pork chops and crisp apples. A quick homemade blend of garlic, paprika, and chili powder balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, ensuring every single bite on the sheet pan bakes into a warm, savory celebration of fall.

SHEET-PAN PORKCHOPS (with apples and butternut squash)
Total Time: 30 minutes; Cleanup: One pan 😊

INGREDIENTS
• 6 boneless pork chops
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 apple sliced
• 2 cups butternut squash, diced
INSTRUCTIONS
• Preheat oven to 425°.
• Mix the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, paprika, kosher salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set about 2 tablespoons aside in a separate bowl.
• Toss the apples and squash with the reserved rub and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Spread on a sheet pan and roast for 10 minutes.
• Press both sides of each pork chop into the reserved rub. Discard any leftover rub.
• Push the apples and squash to the sides of the pan and add the pork chops to the center. Drizzle the chops with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Bake 15 to 18 minutes for ¾-inch chops, until the pork reaches 145°F. Rest 3 minutes before serving.
NOTES
Cooking Times by Thickness
Bake at 425°F and start checking with a thermometer at these times. Take them out at 145°F.
• ½ inch - Start checking at 8 minutes.
• ¾ inch - 15 to 18 minutes. This is the size I buy.
• 1 inch - Start checking at 18 minutes.
• 1 ½ inches or thicker - Start checking at 25 minutes.
* Bone-in and boneless chops of the same thickness take about the same time.

Source: https://www.seasonalcravings.com/sheet-pan-brown-sugar-pork-chops/
Index: MFP_Recipe
Use this link to view the other recipes published by the MFP -- https://tinyurl.com/MFP-Recipes

10/13/2026

Life Happens
2-1-1 is your shortcut through the chaos when life hits a bump.
Instead of wasting hours searching the internet, calling the wrong numbers, or getting stuck on hold, 2-1-1 connects you to a real person who knows exactly where the help is hidden.

• One Call Does It All: Finds food, recreation, transportation, housing, employment, youth services, and health care options.
• Always Available & You Don’t Need a Computer: Dial 2-1-1 on any phone, anytime, day or night.
• Human Touch: Talk to a local expert who listens, understands what you need -- and then navigates the system for you.
• Zero Cost: Free to call, free to use, and completely confidential.

NOTE: Note: 2-1-1 is NOT for emergencies. If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.

The 2-1-1 Service is a program of the Seven Valleys Health Coalition

10/13/2026

Help keep our neighbors warm this winter! 🧥❄️
The Marathon Food Pantry is collecting new or gently used coats and winter gear for our annual Coat Giveaway.
👉 HAVE warm items to share?
TWO more opportunities to drop them off at the Marathon Civic Center (Lovell Field) from 4 PM to 5 PM on any of these Tuesdays:
• October 13
• October 20
👉 NEED a warm coat?
Join us for the Coat Giveaway! 💙
• When: Tuesday, October 27
• Time: 4 PM to 5 PM
• Where: Marathon Civic Center (Lovell Field)
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION with your connections – we need to reach all of the people who may be able to donate usable coats *AND* all of the people who may need those donations!

10/13/2026

Order Deadline is Next MONDAY.... Time to think about it.
Food Sense is a Co-Op, that gets food at steep discounts by buying in large volume. Shopping WITH your neighbors stretches everyone’s food budget. It is a “win / win”. This Co-Op is available to everyone – there are no income or residence requirements.

Each Food$en$e package is full of high-quality meats, fresh produce, and pantry staples. Even if there is an item that you won't use, you could share it with a neighbor and still come out ahead of the game!

🛒 $20.50 for all this food AND have it delivered to Marathon?!
You simply can't beat this deal! 💵✨
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📅 OCTOBER DATES TO REMEMBER
⏰ Order Deadline: Monday, October 19th
🚚 Pickup: Thursday, October 29th (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Marathon Food Pantry)
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📦 THE OCTOBER STANDARD PACKAGE ($20.50)
Look at everything you get for one low price:
• Chicken Breast, 1.5 lb (Avg) (Frozen)
• Ground Beef, 1 lb. (Frozen)
• Po***ck Fillets, 1 lb. (Frozen)
• Marinated Pork, 1 lb. (Frozen)
• Hamburger Helper, 5.8 oz. (Dry)
• Corn, 1 lb. (Frozen)
• Strawberries, 1 lb. (Frozen)
• Macaroni & Cheese, 7.25 oz. (Dry)
• Applesauce, 15 oz. (Dry)
• Fruit Salad, 15 oz. (Dry)
• Fresh Produce Item #1: Contents TBD
• Fresh Produce Item #2: Contents TBD
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🔥 OCTOBER ADD-ON SPECIALS!
Want even more? Grab these incredible bulk deals when you place your order:
#1 Chicken Nuggets - 5 lbs for $11.00
#2 Mozzarella Sticks - 3 lbs for $12.00
#3 Pulled Pork - 1 lb for $6.50
#4 Pantry Box - 9 lbs (apx,) for $11.50
Pantry Box weighs approximately 9 lbs. and includes:
baking mix (40oz), quick oats (14oz), pears (15oz), ziti (1 lb.), strawberry spread (19oz), macaroni & cheese (7.25oz), scalloped potatoes (4.7oz), and peanut butter (16oz).
#5 Shrimp (Uncooked) - 2 lbs for $10.50
#6 Meatloaf - 2 lbs for $12.00
This traditional meatloaf mix is made with only ground beef, veal, and pork.

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💻 WAYS TO ORDER
💻 Online: Pay with EBT or Credit Card anytime via the Food$en$e Website.
🏠 At the Pantry: Pay with Cash or Check at the Marathon pantry on any Tuesday between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
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10/13/2026

COMING SOON! Food Distribution WED. OCT. 28th
Seven Valleys Health Coalition [Seven Valleys Food Rescue]
MANAGING INVENTORY AND ENSURING LOCAL FOOD DOESN'T GO TO WASTE!

• WED. OCT 28th
• From 2pm to 6pm
• 174 Homer Ave, Cortland.
• As always, all community members are welcome to attend and receive a distribution of staple pantry items, produce and dairy at no cost!
• Bring your own bags if you can.

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

The Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese!
This week, we have a great supply of our block processed cheese available! While it’s a modest everyday staple, it has a hidden superpower: it melts into the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce you can imagine.

CREAMY MAC & CHEESE
Here is how to turn 1 lb of cheese into a comforting family meal using pantry staples.
🛒 INGREDIENTS
• 1 lb Pasta (Macaroni, Penne, or Shells)
• 1 lb Food Pantry Processed Cheese (cut into cubes)
• 1/2 cup Butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 (to 3) cups Milk
• Flavor Boosters (Optional): 1 tsp mustard (yellow or powder), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, a splash of hot sauce, and/or black pepper.
🍳 INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil your noodles according to the package, drain, and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup of flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling (if you do not have a whisk, use a silicone spatula that picks stuff off the bottom of the pot well – then pour slow and stir fast).
3. Thicken: Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens (if it gets too thick – use the remaining 1 cup of milk, a little at a time, until you are satisfied with the consistency).
4. Add any “STRETCHERS” (see below) and stir until everything is warm.
5. Stir in your cooked pasta. Turn off the heat.
6. Melt: Stir in your cubed cheese and any seasonings until completely melted and smooth.
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👉 SERVE IT YOUR WAY
• Stovetop:
o Serve right out of the pot.
o Your weeknight dinner is done in 20 minutes.
• Baked Mac:
o Pour your stovetop mac into a greased baking dish.
o Top it with crushed crackers (Ritz or saltines) mixed with a little melted butter, or any shredded cheese you have on hand.
o Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until the edges bubble and the top is golden brown.
o This can bake a little shorter – or sit on a stove top a bit – making the “window” for serving larger (and popping it in the oven frees you up to organize some veggies or salad so everything is ready at once).

📦 STRETCHERS that make your Meal go Even Further!
Want to feed a larger crowd or turn this side dish into a hearty, all-in-one dinner? Stir these goodies right into the macaroni before serving or baking:
• Add Veggies: Stir in a drained can of peas, corn, or diced tomatoes. A bag of thawed frozen broccoli florets also makes a classic "broccoli mac" that kids love.
• Boost the Protein: Turn it into a hearty casserole by mixing in a drained can of tuna, a can of canned chicken, or sliced hot dogs or kielbasa.
• Make it "Chili-Mac": Mix in a can of pantry chili or baked beans for a protein-packed, smoky twist.

🌟 Why This Beats the "Blue Box" Kits:
• Way Creamier: The block cheese melts into a sauce that is never gritty.
• More Generous: It makes a batch of sauce that smothers a full pound of pasta.
• Fewer Preservatives: None of the artificial dyes and chemical stabilizers found in box powder.

Foundation/source: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/278141/homemade-cheddar-cheese-sauce/

Index: MFP_Recipe
Use this link to view the other recipes published by the MFP -- https://tinyurl.com/MFP-Recipes

10/05/2026

❄️Heating & Electric -- Help for Marathon Residents ❄️
Too many acronyms, too much confusion, here’s a quick summary that we hope will help:
HEAP -Home Energy Assistance Program
• Low-income Households
• Annual lump-sum grant
• Automatic? IF meet income caps
• Combines with EAP
EAP - Energy Affordability Program
• Low-income Utility Customers
• Recurring monthly bill credit
• Automatic? NOT in the Village *
• Combines with HEAP
EEAP - Enhanced Energy Affordability Program
• Moderate-income Households
• Recurring monthly bill credit
• Automatic? Never… you must apply
• Cannot combine
* Pointers for how to check your income brackets for each service are below.

Here's a bit more detail on each Program:

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
• What is it? A grant that helps pay for home heating and winter energy bills. You do not need to be behind on your bills, or have a shut-off notice, for HEAP.
• Does it work with Village Electric? Yes. If you heat with electricity or get a shut-off notice from Village Electric (VE), HEAP can pay VE directly.
• Who Qualifies? It is based on household gross monthly income (before taxes):
⭐ Note: If anyone in your household receives SNAP (Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance, or SSI, your household usually qualifies without a separate application!
• How to Start? Apply online at MyBenefits NY or call Cortland County DSS at 607-428-5400. If you are age 60 or older, you can call the Agency on Aging at 607-753-5060 for application help.
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💡 Did you know? HEAP pays far more than just your electric bill! Regular and Emergency HEAP grants can also pay directly for delivered winter heating fuels (like propane, heating oil, kerosene, wood, or pellets), emergency furnace repairs or replacements, and even free summer air conditioners for households with medical heat sensitivities.

EAP (Energy Affordability Program)
• What is it? A monthly discount program for utility bills.
• Does it work with Village Electric? Not automatically. Automatic discounts only apply to NYSEG. Marathon handles this on a local level.
• How to Start? If you meet the HEAP income limits – do not wait for an automatic credit – call the Marathon Village Clerk’s Office at 607-849-3812. Tell them you qualify for income assistance and ask what low-income rate adjustments, budget billing options, or local assistance programs are available for village residents.
EEAP (Enhanced Energy Affordability Program)
• What is it? A pilot program to help households that make too much money to qualify for HEAP – but still struggle with energy costs.
• Does it work with Village Electric? No.
• Outside the Village? If your home is powered by NYSEG, you can apply to get these monthly discounts credited to your NYSEG bill.
• Do I qualify? You may qualify if your household income is under the State Median Income and you do not receive HEAP, SNAP, or Medicaid.
• How to Get Started? You must apply manually. Submit your application online at the official New York EEAP Portal or apply over the phone by calling CLEAResult at 1-877-400-2501.

📌 Check Your Income Brackets
Income brackets are a “moving target” – it is worth the time to double-check before you start.
• HEAP (Low-Income Assistance)
o Go Online: Visit the official New York State OTDA HEAP Income Page.
o Call Locally: Contact Cortland County DSS at 607-428-5400 to ask for the current low-income limits.
⭐ NOTE: If you qualify for HEAP, you qualify for EAP discounts – but if you are on Village Electric they are not automatically started.
• EAP for Village Electric Residents (Inside the Village)
o Call the Town Office: Call the Marathon Village Clerk’s Office at 607-849-3812. Because Marathon has its own locally run municipal power grid, any unique local rate reductions or exceptions are managed directly through their office.
• EEAP (Moderate-Income Assistance **Outside the Village Only**)
o Go Online: Visit the official New York EEAP Portal and look for the "see threshold amounts" link.
o Call the Program: Call the state program administrator, CLEAResult, at 1-877-400-2501. They can look up the exact limits for NYSEG customers in Cortland County.
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