Fork It Over; SUNY Should Embrace American Made Utensils

FlatwarePhoto byEllie EshaghionUnsplash

Two NY politicians, State Senator Joe Griffo and Assemblyman Brian Millerare are suggesting SUNY students should switch from single-use plastic utensils to locally made flatware. SUNY (State University of New York) had recently announced it's intention to do away with single use plastics at it's universities.

The recommendation is to partner with Sherrill Manufacturing of New York State.

“Our SUNY schools are funded by New York tax dollars and primarily attended by New York’s residents, so it should go without saying that SUNY schools should take pride in the fine products that are manufactured right here in our state,” Griffo said.

Two former Oneida Ltd. executives bought the company's plant in the Oneida County city of Sherrill for $1 million on March 22, 2005 and reopened it the next day as Sherrill Manufacturing.

If the name Oneida sounds familiar, Oneida Flatware was once made there, now relegated to manufacture in Mexico and China. Sherrill is the last U.S. maker of flatware. They sell their Liberty Tabletop brand direct on their website.

Sherrill Manufacturing was invited to the Trump White House in 2018 for a "made in America showcase" where the tableware was all stamped made in China.