On a Monday morning in the village of Lowville, the local American Legion is hosting a food giveaway, thanks in part to its volunteers: soldiers from Fort Drum. It's an effort to aid the small, North Country town in which nearly 14% of the population live in poverty, well above the national average.

“I like spending my free time, just trying to get out of my room. It’s a good think to give back to the community and have something to do,” said PFC Austin Fisher of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade.

Young soldiers like Fisher are getting more involved in events like this, and as he does, the more community events other new soldiers want to take part in. It not only allows to help out on a single day, but it becomes part of their mission.

What You Need To Know

  • Food insecurity is nothing new to our area, but the COVID pandemic has really opened eyes as to how prevalent it really is

  • Fort Drum soldiers visited the Lowville Food Pantry recently to help hand out various fresh foods and dairy to families in need

  • Nearly 14% of Lewis County families are living below the national average poverty line

  • These Fort Drum soldiers have actually visited the Lowville Food Pantry numerous times, helping to ensure it could open

 

It allows them to meet others who enjoy giving back and encourages them to join organizations such as the American Legion and eventually feel like a true member of their new military community.

“To be able to come here and help on our free time kind of shows what the military is all about. It’s not just being involved in other missions, but being able to give back to the community and help them out because they help us out when we need it,” said PFC Arturo Lopez of the 10th CAB.

The more people get involved, the bigger the impact they can make.

As food insecurity is a major concern for Lowville residents, late last year, soldiers like Fisher and Lopez got together, time and time again, until the new Lowville Food Pantry became a reality.

“Oh my goodness, they are such a big help. They are willing to do anything at anytime, whenever they can get leave. They do a lot of the heavy lifting. It’s amazing to be able to get those guys,” said Linda Dean of the Lowville Food Pantry.

However, for them, the amazing is being able to take part in it all. It’s something they say they’ll want to do for the rest of their lives.

The Lowville American Legion says — thanks in part to connections like this — it has seen interest and membership grow, at a time many are facing the exact opposite.