New York, NY —

Local farmers are linking up with food pantries through a program that's supposed to help keep them in business, but also provides fresh produce to poor communities. WNYC's Cindy Rodriguez reports.

REPORTER: The United Way says so far this year 7 New York State farmers will deliver 160,000 pounds of produce to 38 emergency food programs. While small, the program's been growing, nearly 20 percent this year compared to last year. Stacy McCarthy from United Way helps recruit food pantries into the program. She's also a nutritionist and teaches people at the pantries how to cook certain vegetables they may not be familiar with.

MCCARTHY: I did a really simple quick saute of the red Russian kale with some onions and garlic and then I added some fresh corn that the farmer, Windflower Farm, had delivered that day.

REPORTER: Through the program food pantry clients and volunteers visit the farms where their produce is being grown. The food is delivered for 24 weeks between June and November, New York state's growing season. The state department of health funds the program.

For WNYC, I'm Cindy Rodriguez.