About

Taste of the Finger Lakes is an annual fundraising event that supports not-for-profit organizations working to improve food security across the region. The event takes place as a celebratory showcase of local restaurants, caterers, food trucks, wineries, breweries and more, with all vendors donating their products and time.

Taste of the Finger Lakes is organized by a volunteer committee of local community members and a small event staff. Together with local business partners and an incredible array of food and beverage vendors we are able to donate 100% of event ticket proceeds to local organizations. Taste of the Finger Lakes is proud to be an event of the Just Be Cause Center. 

100% of ticket sales go to non-profit organizations who are creating access to healthy food and addressing food insecurity in our community.

History

Taste of the Finger Lakes was to make its debut in June of 2020, but due to Covid the event was on pause for two years. The pandemic resulted in the committee’s decision to shift the event location to an open air space, and the Ithaca Farmers Market has been the perfect venue ever since.

Originally, the event supported the work of three local not-for-profits – Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Healthy Food For All, and the Youth Farm Project.

In 2024, the committee created a grant application, and any not-for-profit organization working to support food security in our area was invited to apply.

The grant application is open during the month of February and not-for-profits can request funds of up to $10,000. Recipients are announced in early April.

  • Not-for-profit Recipients:

    • Food Bank of the Southern Tier
    • Healthy Food For All
    • Youth Farm Project
    • Friendship Donation Network
    • Lodi's Community Pantry
    • No Más Lágrimas
    • Friendship Donation
    • Foodnet Meal on Wheels

  • Not-for-profit Recipients:

    • Food Bank of the Southern Tier
    • Healthy Food For All
    • Youth Farm Project
    • Friendship Donation Network

  • Not-for-profit Recipients:

    • Food Bank of the Southern Tier
    • Healthy Food For All
    • Youth Farm Project

  • Due to ongoing COVID concerns and the toll the pandemic took on the food & beverage industry, the event pivoted to try and draw people into local establishments. “Dine & Donate” ran through the month of June and raised a few thousand dollars.

  • Due to COVID-19, the event was canceled.

Event organizers pictured left to right: Lyndsay Bullock, Katie Foley, Nana Potenza, Hilary Kellner-Davis, Emma Hewitt, Casey Lucier & Julia De Aragón.

Staff Members

Emma Hewitt,
Director & Vendor Coordinator

Nana Potenza,
Marketing Coordinator

Julia De Aragon,
Volunteer Coordinator

Committee

Lyndsay Bullock

Katie Foley

Casey Lucier

Nana Potenza