ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Regional Food Bank is preparing for a busy summer of feeding families in need. As the school year winds down, the food bank is gearing up for an increased number of walk-up and drive-through pantries in the Capital Region.
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Regional Food Bank Director of Innovation and Opportunity Sarah McGaughnea said that working with over 1,000 agencies throughout 23 counties, the food bank is increasing its community food pantries, so no student goes without food this summer. The drive-through or walk-up food pantries are first-come, first-served, and no identification is required. Anyone interested in donating can make one through the Regional Food Bank website.
Upcoming pantries
- June 4: Trinity Alliance – Arbor Hill, at 8 a.m.
- June 11: Trinity Alliance – South End, at 8 a.m.
- June 16: Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club, at 10 a.m.
- June 18: Glens Falls Salvation Army, at 2 p.m.
- June 21: Rensselaer Boys and Girls Club, at 9:30 a.m.
- June 21: Macedonia Baptist Church, at 10:30 a.m.
- June 23: Gloversville Transfer Station, at 10 a.m.
- June 26: Sycamore Collaborative, at 9 a.m.
“We know that food insecurity is on the rise within our service area, and across the country,” McGaughnea said. “Adding to the challenge of meeting this need, every food bank in the country is receiving less, due to federal cuts.”
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The increased food pantries are coupled with the Regional Food Bank’s Summer BackPack program, which provides students with nutritious food every Friday afternoon. Additionally, McGaughnea said regional retailers like Hannaford Supermarkets, Price Chopper, and Market 32 have stepped up to the plate to help keep the shelves stocked because of federal aid cuts.
“This is one of the many innovations we are looking to expand to help off-set federal cuts,” McGaughnea said. “For each $1 raised, we are able to provide four meals.”
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