The Business Corner

Many businesses contribute generously to the Food Bank’s work. In this Hunger’s Hope edition, we highlight two great corporate supporters – The Rosenblum Companies and St. Peter’s Health Partners

The Rosenblum Companies has been supporting the Regional Food Bank for more than 25 years. Our friendship began when they sponsored a flag for our Golf Classic in 1994, a tradition they have continued ever since. As the years went on, they began supporting our efforts in other ways. During the holiday season, they contributed to our Gift Alternative Program, making gifts to the Food Bank in the names of their friends and customers, helping spread awareness of our mission to their network. They have also sponsored our Annual Auction Gala and Chefs & Vintners’ Harvest Dinner for many years. But when the pandemic hit last year, they jumped in to help in a priceless, incredible way. When they learned social distancing guidelines meant we were unable to accommodate the number of volunteers we needed to sort the increased volume of food we were distributing, they offered one of their warehouse spaces free of charge. To set us up for success, they helped retrofit the space to suit our needs. This contribution allowed volunteers lots of space to spread out and feel safe during their service to the Food Bank. Without this contribution, it would have been impossible for us to keep up with the huge quantity of product that needed to be sorted and repacked. As our relief efforts persist, they have continued this generous donation into 2021. We are deeply grateful for our friendship with The Rosenblum Companies and all the good they do for the Food Bank and the people we serve.

St. Peter’s Health Partners has a deep-rooted commitment to keeping residents in our region healthy and recognizes the negative impact food insecurity plays in determining health outcomes. As a result, St. Peter’s affiliated hospitals and clinics have partnered with us to increase our communities’ access to healthy foods. From establishing emergency department pantries at St. Peter’s, Albany Memorial, and St. Mary’s Hospitals, to establishing Food Pharmacies that pair with nutrition education for low income patients with Diabetes and Cancer diagnoses, St. Peter’s Health Partners is focused on keeping its clients healthy by providing regular access to healthy foods. Most recently, St. Peter’s Health Partners has worked with our Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables Nutrition Education Program to provide weekly deliveries of fresh produce to low-income senior citizens, coupled with nutrition education. Together we will assess the impact of these deliveries on overall health and food security. St. Peter’s Health Partners has also supported our Patroon Land Farm, hosting a CSA site, encouraging participation among employees, and sponsoring CSA membership for food insecure families attending Boys and Girls Clubs’ camps. St. Peter’s Health Partners employees have volunteered at many of our Drive Thru Pantries and in our warehouse, supported our Chefs & Vintners’ Harvest Dinner and Holiday Hunger Appeal, and provided significant financial support for our COVID relief efforts. Most recently, Katherine DeRosa, Vice President of Mission Services, has joined our Board of Directors. We thank St. Peter’s Health Partners for its ongoing partnership and commitment to addressing food insecurity as a social determinant of health.