Dryden is an agricultural community, as our rolling hills, diverse barns and annual Dairy Day celebration indicate.
Even in the midst of agricultural abundance, sometimes people find themselves in need. Here’s where to go for food in Dryden.
Grocery Store
Clark’s Dryden Food Mart, 33 North Street, Dryden. A full service store with a deli and meat counter.
Produce Stands
Dedricks Farm Market, 13 Cortland Road, Dryden
A second generation farm market carrying seasonal produce and plants outside with bulk food and local dairy and baked goods inside.
Bigsby Market, 1418 Dryden Road, Freeville
Fresh, local produce is served up alongside garden and landscape plants and wood hardscape such as Adirondack chairs.
To access free food options in the community, check out:
Free Meals
The Dryden United Methodist Church Community Dinner – Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Every Wednesday (except the 5th Wednesday of the month) the Dryden United Methodist Church, 9 East Main Street, hosts a Community Dinner. Anyone is welcome to share in a free dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dinner on the first and third Wednesday of the month are provided by the Methodist Church. The second Wednesday is served by Covenant Love Community Church. Holy Cross Catholic Church serves on the fourth Wednesday.
Food Pantries
Dryden Kitchen Cupboard
Housed at the First Presbyterian Church of Dryden, 6 North Street, the Dryden Kitchen Cupboard provides a three-day emergency supply of food once a month to families residing in the Dryden School District. They also provide holiday baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Mondays, Fridays, & The Last Saturday of the Month from 11 am to Noon
- Wednesdays from 5 pm to 6 pm
Follow the Kitchen Cupboard on Facebook
Freeville Food Pantry
- 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 6 to 7 pm
Mobile Food Pantry/Food Truck
The Food Bank of the Southern Tier Mobile Food Pantry comes to Reach Out for Christ Church, 318 Johnson Road, Freeville on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 5 to 6 pm.
Summer Lunch Program
Free lunch is served during the summer months (July and August) for youths up to age 18.
High School/Middle School, 118 Freeville Road 12:15 – 1 pm
McLean Fire Department, 2 Stevens Road 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Little Creek Trailer Park, North Street, Dryden 11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Poet’s Landing Freeville Road 12:25 – 1 pm
These sites offer more information on free food resources in Tompkins County.
Food Bank of the Southern Tier