ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WENY) -- New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets commissioner, Richard Ball, was at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier on Wednesday.

"We're celebrating Hunger Action Month which is a way to highlight the concerns about feeding people across the country and, frankly, in New York State," said Ball. "So we're here at the food bank in the Southern Tier. They've been a great partner for us in this effort."

The commissioner, along with a group of people including local leaders like Phil Palmesano and Tom O'Mara, took a tour of the food bank and learned about their operation. One of the things talked about was the importance of farmers supplying food to help end hunger. 

"Our local farmers, you know, they provide us with the best product, period," said Food Bank of the Southern Tier President/CEO, Natasha Thompson. "The best quality product that we can get is coming locally because it's the freshest, it lasts longer, and we know by the time it gets into the hands of people in need it's in incredible shape."

Followed by the tour, was the apple packing where the commissioner and local leaders got to pack boxes full of apples. At the end of the day, Ball hopes people thinks of those less fortunate. 

"Hopefully people push back from the dining room table tonight and realize how fortunate they are," said Ball. "Maybe they need to think a little bit larger about people in their own community, and look for ways that they can help. For a young person in New York State, or anywhere in the country or anywhere in the world, to be hungry is unacceptable."