GCAR Members Rally to provide assistance to the Regional Food Bank
On December 10, 2020 GCAR members gathered at the Latham Regional Food Bank to help prepare food for delivery to those in great need.
Many thanks to Amanda Blanchard, Karen Cahill, Jonie Civill, Judy Kaiser, Tammy Loya, Ginny O’Brien, Melissa Petalas, Tom Schlutow, and Diane Sluus for taking the time to support the Food Bank during this holiday season.
The members were very impressed with the operation of the Food Bank which does amazing work.
Northeast Regional Food Bank – COVID-19 Relief Activity
The Regional Food Bank provides massive quantities of food every year, 41 million pounds in 2019, to help feed hungry people in 23 counties of eastern New York. It also responds in a major way to assist people with food assistance during disasters. The COVID-19 disaster is unique in that it is affecting communities in all the counties the Food Bank serves. The Food Bank is committed to meeting the food needs of people who are negatively impacted by this crisis. It is the only not-for-profit organization in the region that can respond on such a wide scale, and it takes that obligation very seriously.
Regular Distribution
The Regional Food Bank provided 43.1 million pounds of food (35.9 million meals) through daily distributions to partner agencies to help them serve the growing number of people seeking assistance, a 37% increase over the same period last year.
Special Distributions and Drive-Thru Pantries
The Food Bank shipped 5,822,713 pounds of food (4,852,260 meals) for special distributions in 20 counties and other hard-hit communities to meet the needs of thousands of people, many of whom are quarantined or unemployed and in need of food assistance for the first time.
Nourish New York
Using funding from the state, the Food Bank works with New York State growers and producers to purchase products for distribution. An abundance of fresh, local food is being made available to help people in need while also benefiting the state’s agricultural community.
Community Table
The Food Bank provided 41,123 pounds of food (34,300 meals) for restaurant/hospitality workers who have been especially hard hit by mandated business closings.
BackPack Program
The Food Bank provided 104% more food (3,042,770 pounds) to 235 of its school BackPack Programs, including meat, juice, eggs, and milk to sites that can safely store and distribute perishables.
Senior Food Delivery
The Food Bank provided 551,340 pounds of food (459,450 meals) to 13,000 seniors living in senior housing sites.
To all who contributed to the GCAR Community Outreach Fund, thank you for helping us to help others!
