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Local volunteer network urges support for county food-recovery proposal

Tompkins County Legislature · July 26, 2026
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Summary

Mike Kaplinkalaire of the Friendship Donation Network urged support for Resolution E, describing nearly 500,000 pounds of recovered food distributed locally and asking the legislature to back proposals to increase food-waste recycling and edible food recovery.

Mike Kaplinkalaire of the Town of Lansing spoke during privilege of the floor in support of Resolution E, describing the work of the Friendship Donation Network and urging legislative backing for food-waste recovery.

"...a network that's been going here in Tompkins County since 1988, a little over 28 years...about almost 500,000 pounds. That's about 1000 pounds a week. And, it goes to families, almost 2,000 families every week, who are hungry in our community," Kaplinkalaire said, summarizing the organization's scale and volunteer base.

He asked the legislature to support the resolution and praised local volunteers; the Chair thanked him and moved on to the next privilege-of-the-floor items. Resolution E (support for the state's proposal to increase food-waste recycling and edible leftover food recovery) was listed on the consent agenda for consideration.