Regional Food Bank Entry SignA program must be a member of the Regional Food Bank to access our inventory. Our members must be non-profit food pantries, community meals, emergency shelters, and other programs serving low-income individuals with disabilities, children, or seniors.

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The Regional Food Bank works to alleviate hunger and prevent food waste by accepting large donations of food from the food industry and distributing those donations to charitable organizations that feed hungry people.

Where do we get our food?

Hundreds of local and national companies donate food to the Regional Food Bank, including:

  • Farmers
  • Manufacturers
  • Retailers
  • Wholesalers

All types of food and grocery products are donated, including non-perishable, fresh and frozen foods. Non-food items such as paper products, soap, and personal hygiene items are also donated. Products are donated for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Overproduction
  • Production flaws
  • Discontinuation of product line
  • Mislabeling
  • Shipping errors
  • Close code dates
  • Cosmetic damages
  • Unharvested or imperfect produce

What counties does the Food Bank serve?

The Regional Food Bank serves 23 counties including Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, and Washington.

Where does the food go?

The Food Bank provides food assistance to charitable agencies serving hungry and disadvantaged people, including:

  • Food pantries
  • Soup kitchens
  • Emergency shelters
  • Youth programs
  • Senior programs
  • Programs for the disabled

Who is hungry?

People of all ages, races, genders and physical and mental abilities are hungry in our communities. People facing crises often must choose between buying food and paying for housing, utilities, or medical care. Some of those served by the Food Bank are:

  • Children
  • Single parents
  • Seniors
  • Working poor households
  • Unemployed people
  • Homeless people

Map of Need

Efficiency and Stewardship

The Food Bank operates in an efficient manner and devotes 91 cents of every dollar to programs and operations (as of 2020). We strive to minimize costs and maximize the amount of food we provide to agencies feeding hungry people. We are proud to report that we distribute $8-10 worth of food for every dollar we spend.