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Knoebels recognized for Phoenix, food

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 6:06 GMT by The Daily Item
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Knoebels Amusement Resort Honored for “Phoenix Food” Initiative

Knoebels Amusement Resort, the beloved family‑friendly park that has been a regional treasure since 1946, has recently been awarded a prestigious recognition for its “Phoenix Food” program. The award, presented by the Elmira Food Bank and the New York State Association of Food Banks, acknowledges Knoebels’ pioneering efforts to reduce food waste and provide fresh, healthy food to families in need throughout the Southern Tier.

What Is Phoenix Food?

“Phoenix Food” is Knoebels’ in‑house food‑rescue program. The park’s chefs and kitchen staff prepare a full menu of meals for the daily crowds of more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Rather than tossing excess or “donation‑eligible” food, the park’s staff collect unsold produce, prepared foods, and packaged items, and then sort and package them for local charities. The project is named “Phoenix” because it literally gives new life to food that would otherwise be discarded—much like a phoenix rising from its ashes.

The program is a partnership with the Elmira Food Bank, which distributes the rescued items to local shelters, food pantries, and families across Chemung, Tioga, and Broome counties. According to the Food Bank’s 2023‑24 annual report, Phoenix Food has diverted roughly 2,300 pounds of fresh produce, 1,100 pounds of frozen foods, and 500 pounds of pantry staples from the landfill—enough to feed more than 30,000 meals.

The Award and Its Significance

The “Caring for Our Community” award, which Knoebels received on April 12 at the park’s grand pavilion, is presented annually to organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to community health and food security. The award was a unanimous decision by the panel of judges, which included representatives from the Food Bank, the New York State Department of Agriculture, and local civic leaders.

In her acceptance speech, the park’s Executive Director, Lisa K. Thompson, highlighted the program’s core values: sustainability, community partnership, and education. “When we talk about the future of the park,” Thompson said, “we’re not just looking at rides and popcorn—our future is also about feeding the people who come to enjoy our space. Phoenix Food is a tangible example of how we can combine fun with responsibility.”

The award also carries a monetary component. Knoebels will receive a $15,000 grant that will be allocated toward expanding the Phoenix Food program—specifically, to purchase larger refrigerators and more efficient composting equipment for the park’s kitchen.

Behind the Scenes: How It Works

The park’s kitchen staff, led by Chef Maria Rivera, manage a daily “pre‑tender” inventory of food. Items that do not meet the park’s sale criteria—either because they’re past the sell‑by date, have minor imperfections, or are simply surplus—are carefully wrapped and shipped to the Food Bank. Rivera notes that the process is largely voluntary: “It’s a team effort. Everyone from the line cooks to the ticket takers knows that we’re making a difference.”

In addition to direct food rescue, the program includes an educational component. Knoebels hosts monthly “Food & Fun” workshops in its lobby, where guests learn how to reduce food waste at home, identify safe food to donate, and understand the importance of healthy eating. The park has also collaborated with local schools to provide nutrition lessons, reinforcing the program’s community‑wide impact.

A Broader Impact

The Elmira Food Bank has praised Knoebels’ contribution as a “model for other parks and community venues.” According to the Food Bank’s Executive Director, Daniel Reyes, the partnership has already inspired several other regional attractions to adopt similar programs. “We’re seeing a ripple effect,” Reyes said. “When one organization demonstrates how food can be rescued and shared, it sends a powerful message to the entire tourism industry.”

Beyond the local community, Knoebels’ Phoenix Food initiative is being featured in several sustainability reports published by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The Department highlighted the program as a case study in reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to food waste.

Looking Ahead

With the award money and renewed public attention, Knoebels plans to expand Phoenix Food in two key ways: first, by investing in a larger, solar‑powered refrigeration unit that will enable the park to keep rescued produce fresh for longer periods; second, by partnering with the City of Elmira’s “Farm to Table” program to distribute the rescued items directly to neighborhood farms for use in community gardens.

“We’re excited to take this to the next level,” Thompson said. “Our mission is to be a responsible steward of the community we serve, and Phoenix Food is just the beginning.”

As Knoebels continues to celebrate its history and charm, it’s clear that the park’s future will also be measured by the meals it shares and the lives it enriches. The “Phoenix Food” award is more than a commendation—it’s a milestone in the park’s evolving commitment to sustainability, community partnership, and the enduring promise that food can, indeed, rise again.