CHECK THIS SPACE FOR THE LATEST ON ... special events like closing for bad weather OR the arrival of special "fresh goodies" from local farmers.
TODAY [April 7, 2026] - we have baby formula (both dry and pre-mixed) that is sitting right at the "Use By" dates. If you can use this, please come soon so it can be used and not tossed out! :)
Location
Guaranteed
Fresh!
Civic Center Building 11 Brink St
Marathon, NY 13803
Location Overview
Serving our Neighbors in the Marathon Area
PROGRAMS
Food Pantry - offers essential nutritional support that respects individual preferences. The pantry operates out of the Marathon Civic Center and offers distributions as “Free Choice”, where households can select from a variety of non-perishable goods and available fresh items. Beyond food provision, the pantry acts as a community connection point, offering outreach and programming to link residents with broader social services and resources. Scheduled for every Tuesday – from 4pm to 5pm.
Food$en$e – offers a monthly food-buying co-op program designed to help households stretch their grocery dollars. Unlike a traditional food pantry, it operates as a “buying club” where participants purchase a pre-assembled unit of approximately 12–15 staple items (including meats, fresh produce, and dry goods) for a fixed price of $20.50. The program is open to everyone with no income requirements, age restrictions, or residency qualifications. Order online and pick up here in Marathon at the Civic Center. Scheduled for the 3rd or 4th Thursday of the month – from 2pm to 4pm. Specific dates will be posted as they become available.
*** PLEASE see the individual PROGRAMS (below) for additional details ***
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CONNECTIONS (Tues 4-5pm). These resources include (but are not limited to):
Cortland County Community Action Program (CAPCO) – offers comprehensive community services including early childhood development (Head Start and Early Head Start), essential nutrition support (WIC), energy and housing assistance (weatherization and HEAP), a clothing closet ("Family Essentials"), and SNAP application assistance. Currently scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday of the month (usually). Specific dates will be posted as they become available.
Cortland County Health Department - offers a blend of clinical care, environmental monitoring, and educational outreach. The department supports families through early intervention for children with special needs and through the Healthy Neighborhoods Program (which provides free home safety assessments and equipment to resident)s. Currently scheduled for 4/28 and 5/26.
Fidelis Care - offers New York State-based health insurance options, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NYSOH (New York State of Health). Depending on household size and income, these plans can be low-cost or even free for many individuals. Currently scheduled for 3/17 and 4/12.
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We also offer 'special events' (like a coat giveaway) -- those will be posted here as we schedule them.
Our Networks
Location Features
Location Operating Hours
Tuesday | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM … These hours are for the Pantry. The Civic Center building is closed unless there is a program going on. **Please check for hours for specific PROGRAMS below.** |
| Closed | Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday |
Hours in location time zone: Eastern Time (ET) (UTC-4)
Food Distribution
Food Pantry
Tue | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Open until 6pm by request |
| Closed | Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday |
Program Overview
We are a “Choice Pantry”. That means that we respect individual preferences and you can select from a variety of non-perishable goods, and available fresh items, rather than being assigned a preset share.
We provide a 3-day supply of food, per visit, per household (based on household size).
As a rule, neighbors are expected to come every 2 weeks – but, if special circumstances occur – we can be flexible.
* Please bring sturdy shopping bags* We usually have a few empty boxes for neighbors who forget, but that is not guaranteed.
We can help carry your groceries to your car, if needed. If you walk to the pantry, talk to us about getting one-half a share every week – rather than a full-share every two weeks. It would be easier to tote home.
Program Qualifications
LOCATION:
If you live within the boundaries of the area covered by the Marathon School District, then you qualify for this pantry.
NEED:
-- You qualify if you are receiving support for federal/state programs which are income dependent (e.g. SNAP).
-- You qualify if your yearly household income is generally LESS THAN these guidelines (listed by household size): 1 - $35,910, 2 - $48,690, 3 - $61,470, 4 - $74,250, 5 - $87,030, 6 - $99,810, 7 - $112,590, 8 - $125,370.
-- You qualify if you are struggling with food costs (including employed people, seniors, families, single individuals, and the unhoused).
-- You qualify if you are experiencing temporary hardship, like job loss, unexpected bills, or needing help while waiting for government benefits like SNAP.
PDF: 2026 TEFAP Eligibility Income Guidelines - Food Bank of Central New York
PDF: TEFAP Written Notice of Beneficiary Rights - Food Bank of Central New York
DOCUMENTATION:
-- No proof of residency, income, or ID is required.
-- Verbal attestation (your word) is sufficient.
Primary Contact
Mary Bliss
607-423-8768
mjb8453@frontiernet.net
Food Program Features
Accepts Walk-Ins, Dietary Menu Options, Grocery / Client Choice, Indoor Service, Lifting / Carrying Assistance, TEFAP Program
Items Offered
Dairy, Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Shelf Stable/Non-Perishable Goods, Toiletries / Hygiene Products
Dietary Options Available
Dairy Free, Diabetic/Low Sugar, Nut Free, Vegetarian
Food Distribution
Marathon Food$en$e
Thu | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5th Week of Month The pickup is on the last THURSDAY of each month. Check the Notification at the top for verification. |
| Closed | Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday |
Program Overview
Food$en$e is a food-buying co-op program designed to help households stretch their grocery dollars. It is a “buying club” where participants purchase a pre-assembled unit of approximately 12–15 staple items (including meats, fresh produce, and dry goods) for a fixed price of $20.50.
The program is open to everyone with no income requirements, age restrictions, or residency qualifications.
Visit FOOD$EN$E to:
-- Review the month’s offerings,
-- Place your order,
-- Verify the pickup day and time, and
-- Select your pickup location.
The Marathon pickup location is the Civic Center (the same place as the Food Pantry). The pickup day for Marathon is usually the 3rd or 4th Thursday of the month.
Program Qualifications
Primary Contact
Mary Bliss
607-423-8768
mjb8453@frontiernet.net
Service Area
No service area restrictions
Food Program Features
Indoor Service, Lifting / Carrying Assistance, Pre-Packed Boxes / Bags
Items Offered
Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Shelf Stable/Non-Perishable Goods
Our Location
Thanks for sharing!