The Chenango County Employees Project Team is awarded 'Overall Winner' in the United Way of Mid Rural New York's Inaugural Canned Structure Competition. The team created the Courthouse out of 675 canned and perishable food items. Donations will be distributed to local food pantries. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

NORWICH — United Way of Mid Rural New York hosted its first Canned Structure Competition, bringing together creativity, teamwork, and community generosity to support local food pantries across the region.

The event featured six participating agencies, organizations, and companies, each challenged to design and build a unique structure made entirely from canned or perishable food items.

“Teams were encouraged to think creatively, collaborate with colleagues, and transform donated food into meaningful displays,” said United Way Marketing and Communications Manager Kylie Anderson.

“Once structures were completed, photographed, and judged, all collected food items were donated to local food pantries within each participant’s community,” said Anderson.

In addition to the six competing teams, Anderson said Cornell Cooperative Extension supported the initiative by hosting an on-site food collection.

The Chenango County Employees team took “Overall Winner’ placement and consisted of The Chenango County Department of Planning and Development, the Chenango County Public Health Department and the Chenango County Attorney’s Office.

“The community’s generosity, along with help from partners like Chobani allowed us to produce a structure we’re truly proud of, all while contributing to a cause that makes a difference for residents across the region,” said Allison Yacano, project team member and Department of Planning and Development Senior Planner.

“In the design process, we wanted to capture an iconic structure that represented Chenango County Government but also stands out as an identifiable structure that represents the county,” Yacano said.

“With this in mind, we constructed the Chenango County Courthouse, complete with 710 non-perishable items,” she added.

Yacano said the structure was made with the help from the public and employees donations in goods and money to purchase food items, and Chobani’s generous contribution of cartons of Super Milk.

Anderson noted the completed structure showcased both local pride and engineering creativity and said Chobani Super Milk cartons will be distributed to local food programs through the United Way of Mid Rural New York, helping fight hunger throughout the county.

“While unable to construct a structure due to ongoing programming commitments, Cornell Cooperative Extension collected 126 food items, which were donated to Roots and Wings through Catholic Charities in Chenango County, further expanding the event’s impact,” she added.

United Way of Mid Rural New York is proud to recognize the following Canned Structure Competition award recipients:

Overall Winner:
Chenango County Employees – Chenango County
Chenango County Courthouse
Collected 675 canned and perishable food items, making a powerful impact for local families.

Most Adventurous Canned Structure Award:
Community Action Partnership of Madison County
“Ship Wreck”
Donated 327 canned and perishable food items, combining bold design with generosity.

Rooted in Community Award:
Sidney Federal Credit Union – Delaware County
“Giving Tree with Sprout”
Contributed 255 canned and perishable food items, symbolizing growth and strong community roots.


Most Collegiate Award:
Colgate College – Madison County
“Colgate Chapel”
Collected 190 canned and perishable food items, proudly showcasing school spirit and service.

One Festive CAN-derland Award:
Preferred Mutual Insurance – Chenango County
Created a holiday-themed festive scene featuring 138 canned and perishable food items, spreading seasonal cheer.

Young Leaders in CAN-struction Award:
The Bell Tree – Madison County


Anderson said the Young Leaders were recognized for inspiring youth leadership and community service.

“Their team built a beautiful castle structure and donated collected food items directly to a local food pantry, helping neighbors in need,” she continued. “They have a total of 50 canned and perishable food items.”

The United Way recognized all who helped by donating items or providing funds to help support this initiative.

United Way of Mid Rural New York extends heartfelt thanks to all participating teams, partners, and community members who contributed food, time, and creativity. This event demonstrated how collaboration and innovation can help address food insecurity and strengthen communities one can at a time.

United Way of Mid Rural New York is running its annual campaign until the end of December to help support families and individuals in need through local funded programs.

For more information about United Way of Mid Rural New York and future community initiatives, or to donate, visit their website at www.uwmrny.org or call 607-334-8815.