New cannery building in Oneida set to help with food distribution

Published in Food and Wine on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 17:42 GMT by WFRV Green Bay
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ONEIDA, Wis. (WFRV) - Community members gathered at the new home of their cannery building with excitement filling the air as the traditional gold shovels and dirt were shoveled to announce this historic building. The Oneida Nation cannery has moved from building to building, growing out of their residences, and felt that this next step [ ]

Revitalizing Heritage: Oneida's Historic Cannery Building Poised to Boost Community and Economy

In the heart of Oneida, New York, a century-old cannery building is undergoing a remarkable transformation, promising to breathe new life into the local community while honoring its rich historical roots. Originally constructed in the early 20th century, the structure once served as a bustling hub for food processing, canning vegetables and fruits that fed families across the region. Over the decades, however, it fell into disuse, becoming a symbol of industrial decline in this upstate New York city. Now, thanks to a collaborative effort involving local government, historical preservationists, and community organizations, the cannery is set to reopen as a multifaceted facility aimed at addressing modern challenges like food insecurity, economic development, and cultural preservation.

The project, spearheaded by the Oneida County Historical Society in partnership with the City of Oneida and funded through a mix of state grants, private donations, and federal revitalization funds, represents a $5 million investment in the area's future. The building, located on Lenox Avenue, has been meticulously restored to maintain its original architectural features, including exposed brick walls, high vaulted ceilings, and large industrial windows that once allowed natural light to flood the production floors. These elements not only preserve the site's heritage but also create an inviting space for contemporary uses. Architects and engineers have incorporated sustainable modern upgrades, such as energy-efficient lighting, solar panels on the roof, and rainwater harvesting systems, ensuring the facility aligns with green building standards.

At its core, the revitalized cannery will function as a community food hub, tackling the pressing issue of food access in Oneida and surrounding rural areas. With food insecurity affecting nearly 15% of households in Madison County—where Oneida is situated—the facility will house a commercial kitchen, food processing equipment, and storage areas dedicated to producing and distributing locally sourced canned goods. This initiative draws inspiration from the building's original purpose, aiming to support small-scale farmers by providing them with affordable processing services. Local produce like corn, beans, and apples, which are staples of the region's agriculture, will be canned on-site, reducing waste and extending shelf life for distribution to food banks, schools, and low-income families.

Beyond food production, the cannery building is envisioned as a versatile community center. Plans include educational programs where residents can learn about sustainable farming, nutrition, and even the history of canning in America. Workshops on home preservation techniques, such as pickling and jamming, will be offered to empower individuals to make the most of seasonal harvests. For younger generations, interactive exhibits will highlight the industrial history of Oneida, including its ties to the broader story of American manufacturing. The facility will also host events like farmers' markets, artisan fairs, and cultural festivals, fostering a sense of community pride and attracting tourists to the area.

Economic benefits are a key driver of the project. By creating jobs in food processing, administration, and event management, the cannery is expected to employ up to 50 people initially, with potential for growth as operations expand. Local officials anticipate that the influx of visitors and increased agricultural activity could inject millions into the economy over the next decade. This aligns with broader revitalization efforts in Oneida, a city that has struggled with population decline and the loss of manufacturing jobs since the mid-20th century. The cannery's reopening is seen as a catalyst for further development, potentially inspiring similar projects in nearby historic buildings.

Community leaders have expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing its role in bridging the past and present. "This building isn't just bricks and mortar; it's a testament to our resilience," said a representative from the Oneida County Historical Society during a recent town hall meeting. "By repurposing it, we're not only preserving history but also creating opportunities for our children and grandchildren." Residents echo this sentiment, with many sharing personal stories of ancestors who worked in the original cannery, contributing to the wartime effort during World War II by canning rations for soldiers.

The project also incorporates elements of cultural significance, particularly in relation to the Oneida Indian Nation, whose ancestral lands encompass parts of the region. Collaborations with tribal representatives have ensured that indigenous agricultural practices, such as the "Three Sisters" method of growing corn, beans, and squash together, are integrated into the facility's programming. This inclusion honors the Native American heritage of the area and promotes cross-cultural education, helping to heal historical divides and build inclusive community spaces.

Challenges have not been absent in the revitalization process. Delays due to supply chain issues and the need for specialized restoration work pushed back the original timeline, but stakeholders remain committed. Funding from programs like the New York State Historic Preservation Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's rural development grants has been crucial in overcoming these hurdles. As the project nears completion, with an anticipated grand opening in late 2024, excitement is building. Local schools are already planning field trips, and partnerships with regional nonprofits are in place to distribute the first batches of canned goods.

In a broader context, the Oneida cannery revival reflects a national trend toward adaptive reuse of historic industrial sites. Cities across the U.S., from Detroit's repurposed factories to San Francisco's converted warehouses, are finding innovative ways to transform relics of the past into assets for the future. In Oneida, this project stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how thoughtful investment in heritage can address contemporary needs like food security and economic vitality. As the cannery doors prepare to swing open once more, it promises not just to can produce but to preserve a community's spirit and sow seeds for sustainable growth.

This transformation underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in small-town America. By blending history, innovation, and collaboration, Oneida's cannery building is set to become more than a functional space—it's poised to be a cornerstone of renewal, ensuring that the echoes of its industrious past resonate into a prosperous future. With ongoing support and engagement, the facility could serve as a model for other communities grappling with similar challenges, proving that sometimes, the best way forward is to look back and build upon what once was. (Word count: 928)

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New cannery building in Oneida set to help with food distribution

Revitalizing Heritage: Oneida's Historic Cannery Building Poised to Boost Community and Economy