Food pack operation expands in Watkins Glen

WATKINS GLEN--The Arc of Schuyler food pack business is expanding.
This week, Glen Co-Pack hosted an open house for people to see their new re-configured 5,000 square-foot workspace at 203 12th St.
Holly Baker, The Arc of Schuyler director of communications, said, "We have been doing food packing in our building since 2010 but now with our expansion we won't be so tight for space and can be more efficient. Our food pack operation is located in the existing footprint of the Arc production facility, but we have more room than we did previously with our next door new Arc construction project."
Baker said The Arc has a partnership with Cornell Ag and Markets Kitchen. Once a customer decides a food item they want to sell, Baker said The Arc will then work with their partner to produce and pack the items. Glen Co-Pack has two separate kitchens, a dry-fill and a wet kitchen area with 10 employees working in that area. Glen Co-Pack has 40 different products they pack from 12 different customers.
Cargill, in Watkins Glen, has announced their support of the Arc food pack operation and has pledged a donation of $60,000 to help the local business. Cargill presented a check Tuesday, April 16 to The Arc for $20,000 as the first part of their three year pledge. Jeannette Frank, executive director for The Arc of Schuyler said, "Cargill's support is outstanding and we are so pleased to have them as a community neighbor and supporter. Their support is just terrific."
Baker said the next step for their co-pack unit is to develop an integrated job program. Baker said, "We will be partnering with the Watkins Glen school system to do that. With the school, we will be concentrating on food safety in production and career readiness training." The school program will be open to students with and without disabilities.