CHOW Orchard Planting

Orchard Taking Root in Conklin

Binghamton's Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse is the big winner of Edy's Fruit Bars and Fruit Trees Planting Foundations contest.


Sunday Conklin received its grand prize and is giving new life to a piece of land and more nutritious options to the diet of a community in need.


Floods destroyed a field along River Blvd. four years ago, but passersby now have to get used to looking at more than empty land.


"The lights went out here, but now the lights are back on, because now we have an orchard, we're gonna be growing vegetables here, and now we can give back to the community and those who are in need," said Town of Conklin Supervisor Debbie Preston.


The new orchard is CHOW's and the Broome County Council of Churches' prize for getting the most votes in a national Internet contest held by Edy's Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation.


All of the apples, pears, cherries, and nectarines produced by the trees will go directly to the food pantry, helping to stock its supply and provide those in need with fresh food options.


"The produce that comes from the orchards, it's always stipulated that it be donated to a worthy cause or some community efforts," said Rico Montenegro, arborist for the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation.


Community support for CHOW didn't end with the online votes that made the orchard possible. More than 100 volunteers showed up to brave the rain and help plant the trees. It's that kind of dedication Edy's officials say they were looking for when seeking out communities in need.


"The voting process allows us to determine which communities have the passion to sustain the orchards long term," said Melanie Fitzgerald, a spokesperson for Edy's Fruit Bars.


Conklin officials say they have high hopes for the orchard...saying it can give the community not only fresh foods, but also a new beginning.


"This is the final phase in our healing process," said Preston.


The Conklin orchard is one of 25 being planted across the country as part of the Take Root program.


The trees are expected to produce fruit by next summer.

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