06/15/2026
United Way seeks donations at June 17 food drive in Potsdam
POTSDAM — United Way of Northern New York is expanding its community food drive efforts this summer to help meet growing demand at food pantries across the North Country.
The organization will host a food drive June 17 at the Potsdam Walmart Supercenter to support St. Lawrence County pantries. More than 50 food pantries operate in partnership with the Food Bank of Central New York throughout Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
The effort comes as many families face increased food insecurity during the summer months, when children lose access to school breakfast and lunch programs.
According to Feeding America, an estimated 1 in 5 children in the North Country is unsure where their next meal will come from. Local providers say the need may be even greater in rural communities, where transportation barriers, rising grocery costs and limited access to resources can make it difficult for families to consistently obtain healthy food.
Community members are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items, personal care and hygiene products, or make monetary contributions online. Organizers are also encouraging donations of child-friendly foods such as peanut butter, oatmeal, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, whole grain snacks and other nutritious items.
The St. Lawrence County Community Food Drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the Potsdam Walmart Supercenter, 7494 U.S. Route 11.
United Way of Northern New York serves Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties through programs focused on financial stability, food insecurity, youth opportunity, health and community resilience. The organization says it reaches more than 37,000 North Country residents annually through partnerships, programs and community initiatives.
