WEST WINFIELD, N.Y. — The Connected Community Schools Response Team held a food giveaway at the Mount Markham Central School District Monday evening.

Cars began lining up for the giveaway at the elementary school shortly before 3 p.m.

Members of the response team, along with local volunteers, loaded food bags containing meat, easy-to-make meals, fresh produce and dairy products into the backs of the long line of vehicles.

Organizers estimate they were able to assist over 600 families during a time when trips to the grocery store have become so expensive. Meaning they had one less thing to worry about during the holidays.

“Our mission is to ensure that students and families basic needs are met so they can be successful, not only in their education but their everyday lives,” said Danielle Martin, co-leader of the Connected Community Schools Initiative.

“We know with the holidays coming up that there’s a lot of stress placed on our families. Whether it’s the food they put on their table for the Thanksgiving meal, or even the holiday following that, if we can give them some food to take that burden off now, so they can maybe bring in a Thanksgiving meal for their family.”.

Connected Community Schools partnered with the Central New York Food Bank to make sure the food was available for the students and their families.