MONTGOMERY – With just over a month to go before the Thanksgiving holiday, the Regional Food Bank has announced its most ambitious endeavor to date.
Standing alongside fellow donors, partners, volunteers, and several local and state officials at the Montgomery distribution center on Tuesday, Regional Food Bank CEO Tom Nardacci said the organization plans to provide roughly 350,000 meals throughout its 23-county service area this holiday season. That equates to not only the largest meal distribution in the Hudson Valley, but the largest distribution ever in all of New York.
“The harsh reality is that even with what we’re announcing today, thousands of people still will not have a Thanksgiving. It’s heart-breaking. I want to use that as a call to action,” Nardacci said. “That harsh reality of life should serve as a call to action.”
And with those words, Nardacci dropped the gauntlet on a recruiting effort for additional volunteers to help at its brand new 50,000 square foot facility in Montgomery, in addition to community food pantries and other site partner locations in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger was one of several elected officials on hand and stated that when people band together there isn’t anything that can’t be done.
“Whether it’s students in a classroom, or adults in the workplace, you can’t realize your full potential if you’re hungry. It should not be this way,” Metzger said. “I know everyone here is in line with this mission. Now I’m speaking to those in the community. Please consider volunteering and contributing to your local food banks because that is what community is all about.”
Metzger noted that she’s personally concerned about federal cuts to regional food banks and food security programs throughout the state. More than 18,000 residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Ulster County, according to Metzger.
“This is the time of year we see the greatest level of need. While we’re helping people throughout the year, we have to do a little extra,” Nardacci said. “So we’re asking people to step up. Volunteer and give it you can.”
Nardacci said the Regional Food Bank’s numerous partnerships are a driving force behind its success. Through that vast network, he said more than 14 million pounds of food is donated every year, including locally grown produce.
For more information on the Regional Food Bank, its many partnerships and how to volunteer and get involved in your community, please visit regionalfoodbank.net or call its Orange County Montgomery Distribution Center at 845-534-5344.
