Podcast Summary: New York Farm Bureau News Bytes Episode #4: Interview with Fresh Table Community Pantry Release Date: August 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #4 of "New York Farm Bureau News Bytes," the New York Farm Bureau hosts an insightful interview with Justin Cook and Kimmy Talbot from the Fresh Table Community Pantry. Recorded on August 6, 2025, this episode delves into the inception, operations, and impact of Fresh Table, a community-driven initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity in the Scotia Glenville area and beyond.

Origins and Development of Fresh Table

Justin Cook and Kimmy Talbot recount the humble beginnings of Fresh Table, which emerged from their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially involved in organizing drive-thru pantries, they envisioned a more interactive and dignified approach to food distribution.

Key Points:

• Dream to Reality: The concept started as a "pop-up pantry" resembling a farmer's market, fostering a sense of normalcy and choice for recipients.
• Collaboration with Regional Food Bank: Regional Food Bank's support was pivotal, leading to the official launch of Fresh Table in May 2022 after a successful pilot.
• First Drive-Thru Success: During COVID, the first drive-thru event saw over 400 cars, highlighting the unexpected prevalence of food insecurity in suburban areas like Scotia Glenville.

Notable Quote:

"When you think about Scotia Glenville suburbs... food insecurity isn't something that comes to mind. It was a little bit of an eye-opening experience for the entire community." — Justin Cook [00:20]

Operational Model and Inclusivity

Fresh Table operates as an open, community-centric pantry where anyone in need can come monthly to select fresh produce, dairy, and meats. Unlike traditional pantries that provide pre-filled boxes, Fresh Table emphasizes choice, dignity, and respect.

Key Points:

• Open Table Philosophy: Emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, welcoming anyone until payday.
• Dietary Considerations: Maintains kosher and halal standards, separates meat and dairy, and accommodates allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Choice Over Pre-Packaged Boxes: Allows recipients to select their own food, reducing waste and ensuring that the food provided aligns with individual dietary needs.

Notable Quotes:

"We're really here to bridge paychecks to plates... Families often cut their food budget, leading to less healthy choices." — Justin Cook [03:43]

"We want people to have dignity... to choose what they're going to actually eat." — Kimmy Talbot [06:34]

Community Impact and Outreach

Fresh Table serves primarily the 12302 zip code area (Scotia Glenville) but has expanded its reach to neighboring communities lacking adequate food pantry services. The initiative has become a vital resource for individuals who fall between the cracks of traditional assistance programs.

Key Points:

• Addressing Pantry Deserts: Serving areas identified as food pantry deserts, extending assistance to regions like Rotterdam and Mount Pleasant.
• Reducing Stigma: Aims to eliminate barriers and reduce the stigma associated with seeking food assistance by fostering a neighborly environment.
• Volunteer-Driven Success: A diverse range of volunteers, from youth to the elderly, actively participate, enhancing community bonds and mutual support.

Notable Quotes:

"A substantial number of people are employed but don't make enough to make ends meet... No one should ever have to choose between paying a bill and putting fresh food on their table." — Justin Cook [06:13]

"Our volunteers are really an array of ages... They learn from each other while they're doing it." — Kimmy Talbot [09:27]

Food Sourcing and Support for Local Farmers

Fresh Table's commitment to providing fresh and healthy food directly supports local New York farmers. The pantry leverages government programs and partnerships with local markets to source produce, dairy, and meats, ensuring minimal food waste and fostering a sustainable food ecosystem.

Key Points:

• Government Programs: Utilizes USDA’s Nourish New York and Healthy New York Food for New York Families programs to secure fresh produce.
• Local Partnerships: Collaborates with local markets like Price Chopper and Market 32 for retail rescue programs.
• Economic and Social Benefits: Strengthens the local economy by supporting farmers and ensures recipients receive high-quality, locally-sourced food.

Notable Quotes:

"None of this is possible without the farmers... We're keenly aware that farmers keep people fed." — Justin Cook [15:01]

"It's really cool because sometimes the packaging will say, it's from a farm here in New York... It makes an impact." — Kimmy Talbot [16:58]

Accessibility and Addressing Diverse Needs

Fresh Table is meticulously designed to accommodate individuals with various needs, including those with disabilities or transportation challenges. The pantry employs strategies to ensure everyone in the community can access fresh food with ease and dignity.

Key Points:

• Proxy Pickups: Allows individuals to authorize someone else to pick up food on their behalf.
• Strategic Location: Situated near bus lines and on accessible terrains to facilitate easy transportation.
• Personal Assistance: Volunteers assist recipients with carrying groceries, navigating lines, and answering nutritional questions, ensuring an inclusive environment.

Notable Quotes:

"We allow what's called proxy pickups... Neighbors helping neighbors is what it's all about." — Justin Cook [20:07]

"We have some seniors who come, and we bring the bag to them so they don't have to stand in line." — Kimmy Talbot [21:36]

Volunteer Engagement and Community Building

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Fresh Table, contributing time, talent, and passion to sustain and grow the pantry’s impact. The organization fosters an environment where volunteers of all ages collaborate, share knowledge, and build meaningful relationships.

Key Points:

• Diverse Volunteer Base: Includes youth, students, and the elderly, promoting intergenerational learning and support.
• Immediate Involvement: Allows new volunteers to train on the spot, encouraging spontaneous and sustained participation.
• Strengthening Community Ties: Regular interactions between volunteers and recipients build a strong, supportive community network.

Notable Quotes:

"It's that personal connection that has really been what's so radical about the fresh table." — Justin Cook [11:42]

"Our volunteers are really... they help with intake, bagging, handing out food, and more." — Kimmy Talbot [09:27]

Future Goals and How to Help

Looking ahead, Fresh Table aims to expand its services, enhance its programs, and become an independent 501(c)(3) organization. They seek community support through volunteering, donations, and active participation to continue their mission of providing fresh, healthy food to those in need.

Key Points:

• Board Leadership: Recruitment of leaders to guide fundraising and program development.
• Enhanced Programs: Introduction of recipe cards, neighbor navigation services, and assistance with applying for government aid like SNAP or WIC.
• Engagement Channels: Encourages community members to visit freshtable.org, volunteer, donate, and follow their social media for updates and opportunities.

Notable Quotes:

"The most important element of a food pantry is the community. They need that community support, whether it's time, treasure, or talent." — Justin Cook [22:54]

"Sometimes there are things that we're like, oh, we would love to offer this at the table. And we wouldn't be able to do that if we didn't have donations." — Kimmy Talbot [26:00]

Conclusion

The Fresh Table Community Pantry exemplifies a successful, community-driven approach to combating food insecurity. By fostering inclusivity, supporting local farmers, and building strong community bonds through volunteerism, Fresh Table not only provides essential resources but also revitalizes the sense of neighborliness and mutual support within the Scotia Glenville area and beyond. This episode of "New York Farm Bureau News Bytes" highlights the profound impact of collaborative efforts in creating a resilient and caring community.

Resources:

• Website: freshtable.org
• Volunteer Sign-Up: Available on Fresh Table’s website and social media platforms.
• Donations: Contributions can be made directly through the Fresh Table website or via the Regional Food Bank using their partner identification number.

For more information on supporting local agriculture and community initiatives, visit the New York Farm Bureau’s website at nyfb.org.