About the Founder
Field2Fork is led by a community‑driven builder with decades of experience strengthening the economic and social fabric of the Mohawk Valley.
Israel Acosta
Founder, Field2Fork
“I am a community‑driven leader, builder, and connector who has spent more than three decades strengthening the economic and social fabric of the Mohawk Valley.”
Who I Am
Born in Puerto Rico and rooted in New York since 1991, Israel has dedicated his career to empowering people, elevating local businesses, and designing systems that create long‑term opportunity.
His work blends strategic leadership, operational discipline, and a deep belief in the power of community. Whether in banking, food systems, or nonprofit service, he focuses on building cultures of recognition, alignment, and shared purpose.
Professional Background
As Senior Vice President and Retail Regional Manager at M&T Bank, Israel leads a high‑performing team across the Mohawk Valley, driving growth, coaching leaders, and strengthening community partnerships.
His leadership philosophy centers on precision coaching, accountability, and empowering teams to operate as one unified unit.
He is also the founder of Field2Fork — a modern cold‑chain food distribution platform designed to connect local farms to consumers through 24/7 refrigerated locker access.
Roots in Agriculture
Israel’s connection to agriculture is personal and lived. Long before Field2Fork existed as a business model, it existed as a way of life — shaped by time spent outdoors, working with animals, and understanding the land.
These experiences taught him resilience, humility, and the value of hard work. They also grounded his belief that food systems are built not just on logistics and technology, but on people, relationships, and respect for the land.
Why I Built Field2Fork
Field2Fork was born from a simple truth: local farmers deserve modern infrastructure, and families deserve easy access to fresh, local food.
By combining technology, logistics, and community partnerships, Field2Fork creates a resilient, scalable model for regional food distribution — one that aligns directly with the mission of the GrowNY program.
Community Leadership
Israel believes visibility is a form of service. He actively participates in regional boards, nonprofit initiatives, and community development efforts that support families, small businesses, and local communities.
His work is grounded in the idea that strong communities are built through collaboration, trust, and shared investment.
Personal Values
- Integrity: Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Community: Invest in people and places that shape our shared future.
- Innovation: Build systems that solve real problems and scale sustainably.
- Leadership: Empower others to grow, succeed, and lead.
A Founder Rooted in Service
“My life’s work is about building systems that uplift people — whether through banking, food infrastructure, or community leadership.”
Field2Fork is the next chapter in that mission, and Israel is committed to ensuring it becomes a lasting asset for the Mohawk Valley and the broader GrowNY region.