Comfort Food Community Expands Farm 2 Library Program with Southern Adirondack Library System, Increasing Access to Fresh Food in Saratoga County

Comfort Food Community (CFC), a nonprofit fighting rural hunger with innovative programming, is expanding its Farm 2 Library program to Saratoga Springs Public Library, Ballston Spa Public Library, and Round Lake Library – Malta Branch, in partnership with Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS). Fresh, nutritious, and local food will be accessible to anyone who needs it starting Wednesday, March 4, 2026. To celebrate this expansion, ribbon cuttings will be held at each new location.  

Fresh, nutritious, food available at the Round Lake Library - Malta Branch

Farm 2 Library is designed to be low-barrier and open access for people who may not have access to other sources of fresh, nutritious food. This food is provided free of charge to anyone who needs it with no registration or proof of need required. “Farm 2 Library is built on the belief that everyone deserves easy, stigma free access to fresh, healthy food. By partnering with the Southern Adirondack Library System and local public libraries—trusted, welcoming spaces—we’re removing barriers and making it simple for anyone to pick up what they need, no questions asked,” said Laura Marx, Executive Director of Comfort Food Community.  

What began as a pilot program in 2017, starting with one library, has grown significantly, distributing over 42,000 pounds of food in 2025. CFC now serves 14 libraries across Washington, Warren, and Saratoga counties, providing fresh produce from our local New York State farm partners.  

Each week, libraries display a list of farms where the produce was grown to let people know where their food is coming from. Because this program depends on local farms and seasonal availability, there are often more uncommon items that are distributed like kohlrabi or celeriac, especially during the winter.  

“In New York State, our growing season is shortened during the winter due to colder temperatures and reduced daylight,” said Em Ambrose, CFC’s Food Access Coordinator. “We are able to access lots of high-quality storage roots, like carrots or sweet potatoes, during these months and get excited when April comes, when we start to see new availability from our producers for vegetables like fresh spinach.”  

CFC also shares weekly recipes featuring the produce distributed, helping people feel confident trying new foods and learn more about what is available when.  

“Expanding Farm 2 Library to three additional locations means more families across our region can access fresh, healthy food alongside the educational opportunities that empower them to thrive," said Kim Bolan, Executive Director of the Southern Adirondack Library System. "Today’s libraries are more than places for books — they are trusted community anchors that connect people to vital resources, lifelong learning, and one another. This initiative reflects exactly what libraries are here to do."

To learn more about Comfort Food Community’s programs and how to get involved, please visit www.comfortfoodcommunity.org  

To learn more about Southern Adirondack Library System, please visit www.sals.edu

Join us to celebrate this program expansion at the Ribbon cuttings:

📍 Saratoga Springs Public Library (49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY)

Tuesday, March 17 | 10:30 AM

📍 Round Lake Library – Malta Branch (1 Bayberry Dr, Malta, NY)

Tuesday, March 24 | 10:30 AM

📍 Ballston Spa Public Library (21 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, NY)

Tuesday, March 31 | 10:30 AM

Please send your RSVP to Anna at anna@comfortfoodcommunity.org