On Tuesday, September 30, TST BOCES celebrated the grand opening of the BOCES Bodega, a free, on-campus grocery store open to every TST BOCES student and staff member. Operating like a food pantry but built to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our TST BOCES community, the Bodega replaces the old Backpack Program with a model that emphasizes user empowerment and avoids forced charity. Shoppers can select the items that best support their households and tastebuds, and fresh produce and meal kits are now part of the mix, making healthy and easy cooking more accessible than ever.
The ribbon-cutting event brought together community partners, students, and staff to mark this milestone. Representatives from the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, including Sarah DeFrank, Sarah Keenan, Stefan Bishop, Samantha Eck, and Theresa Krause, joined Jeff Bessmer, General Manager of GreenStar Food Co+op, and Aly Trombitas from Cornell Cooperative Extension to show their support.
Guests were welcomed with food and refreshment catered by our TST BOCES Food Service class followed by a presentation about the Bodega’s mission and operations. The info session ended with a Q & A session with Sean McKean, TST BOCES Farm to School Coordinator, Christina Darling, Government teacher at TST’s Turning Point Program, and Abbie Jackson, TST student and Vice President of the BOCES Bodega Club. The panel shared how the Bodega is already making an impact by reducing stigma around food access, engaging students in meaningful civic work, and expanding food choices. They also highlighted early results: in just its first three weeks of operation, the Bodega has already distributed 746 servings to an estimated 48 households, with usage increasing each week.
“Food access is a fundamental human right,” said McKean, who has led the project in partnership with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. “The Bodega makes that real on our campus. No virtue signaling, no shame, just a welcoming place to choose food to share, a chance to find some nourishment for yourself and those at home with you."
A new kind of access
TST BOCES previously used the Backpack Program to provide families with consistent, pre-packed bags of food. While reliable, the program offered limited variety. The Bodega changes that by introducing a market-style approach with weekly menus, rotating inventory, and the ability to choose what to take home. On their best weeks they even feature fresh produce from the on-campus Homestead Garden, from local farms via a partnership with a local food rescue organization called Friendship Donations Network, and even items from home gardeners.
“The best part is how many students are excited about it,” said Christina Darling, Government teacher at TST BOCES Turning Point Program. “There’s only fun here, only genuine interest, excitement, and a surprising amount of dancing. I am so glad this option exists on our campus, and that my class can be directly involved in work that connects to civics, human rights, and community service. When students shop at the Bodega, they are learning, planning meals, and caring for each other. It is civics in action with service, voice, and community all in one place.”
Friday “stop and shop” builds excitement
Every Friday afternoon from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., the Bodega opens its doors for in-person shopping. Lines have stretched down the hallway and around the corners as students and staff wait for their turn to shop in the Bodega.
“Fridays are my favorite,” said Abbie Jackson, a student in Darling’s class and BOCES Bodega Club Vice President. “You can feel the energy. People are excited to pick out their own food, and it feels good to help classmates leave with full bags that really make a difference at home.”
Students powering the shelves
Students from Patrick Schweiger’s Government class in RAS and Christina Darling’s Turning Point Government class are deeply involved. They are researching fundraising opportunities, drafting grant applications, stocking shelves, and fulfilling orders. Their work gives them real-world experience while ensuring the Bodega runs smoothly. Students are earning more than just letter grades, they are supporting real people across three counties and nine school districts.
How to shop
Online order form — updated every Friday with the following week’s inventory at tstboces.org/bocesbodega
Paper order form — available at Smith School
In-person stop and shop — Fridays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Orders placed Monday through Thursday are usually ready within one business day to be picked up and brought home. Because inventory changes weekly, families and staff must place a new order each week.
Support and donations
The BOCES Bodega is powered by grants and community generosity. Community members can help in several ways:
Donate to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier (foodbankst.org/donate) and note that your contribution should go directly to TST BOCES.
Donate to the BOCES Bodega Club, which helps purchase food, household goods, hygiene products, and more.
For ordering, feedback, or donation links, visit tstboces.org/bocesbodega. For questions, contact Sean McKean at smckean@tstboces.org or 607-257-1551 x5024.