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 more than 1,000 programs and partners that feed our neighbors in need.
Where do we get our food?
The Regional Food Bank receives food from hundreds of sources each year, including:
- Farmers
- Manufacturers
- Retailers
- Wholesalers
- Distribution Centers
- Feeding America
- Individuals and Food Drives
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 through a network of partners and direct service programs serving people experiencing food insecurity, including:
- Food pantries
- Soup kitchens
- Emergency shelters
- Youth programs
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Senior programs
- Mobile Pantries
- Drive-Thru Pantries
- and more
How does a program become a partner agency?
Regional Food Bank agency members must be non-profit food pantries, community meals, emergency shelters, and other programs serving under-resourced individuals. A program must be a member of the Regional Food Bank to access our inventory.
Who experiences food insecurity?
People of all ages, races, genders, and abilities experience food insecurity 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 one, two, or even three jobs
- Unemployed people
- Homeless people
Efficiency and Stewardship
The Food Bank operates in an efficient manner and devotes 93 cents of every dollar to programs and operations (as of 2022). We strive to minimize costs and maximize the amount of food we provide to our neighbors in need. We are proud to report that we distribute up to four meals for every dollar we spend.