In 2021, an estimated 1 in 8 Americans were food insecure, equating to over 38 million Americans, including almost 12 million children. Our communities are experiencing new levels of food insecurity. The rising cost of living has led to a greater demand for food and basic necessities.
Our hunger relief programs play a pivotal, year-round role in ensuring children have healthy meals and snacks to help them reach their full potential. We support and organize food drives for the Albany’s South End Cafe, the Schoharie Food Pantry, Schenectady’s Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Guilderland Food Pantry, Schenectady’s St. Madeleine Sophie Church, the Altamont Food Pantry, the Voorheesville-New Scotland Food Pantry, and Troy’s Unity House and Oakwood Community Center Food Pantries to ensure no family goes in need of food in the Capital District. Our childcare programs provide healthy snacks and meals for our students. Each year, several hundred students receive school supplies and new clothes through our Running Start program to start the school year feeling confident and prepared.