Albany Area Regional Food Bank Needs Your Help To Help Others

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is looking for your help to help others. As they prepare for their 24th Auction Gala on November 8 at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga, we take a moment to learn more about the cause.

Mark Quandt, Executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New Yok, took a few moments to explain the services and why they need your help!

Q: How many people in the Albany Area use the Regional Food Bank?

A: Over 90,000 people in the Albany area benefit from the work of the Regional Food Bank. We provide food assistance to food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other charitable agencies feeding hungry and disadvantaged people throughout the area.

Q: If one needs to use the services, how does one apply?

A: The Food Bank does not serve individuals directly. We provide food to agencies that provide direct food assistance. A person in need can go to a food pantry or soup kitchen in their neighborhood or community and received assistance. If they do not know where to go for help, they can call the Food Bank at 786-3691 and we will provide them with the information they need.

Q: What is the biggest need of the Regional Food Bank?

A: The Food Bank always needs donations of food and funds. Most of our food comes from donations of edible but unsalable food from the food industry, but many people also organize food drives for us. Funding is critical to our operation. We are able to distribute $10 worth of food for every dollar we spend because most of the food we receive is donated. We depend on the community for financial support because we are a private, non-profit organization that is not government funded. People can make a donation online at www.regionalfoodbank.net or by sending us a check made payable to Regional Food Bank, 965 Albany-Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110.

Q: How can someone help or volunteer for the Regional Food Bank?

A: We depend heavily on volunteers at our warehouse and farm. We have many different ways people can help, such as sorting and repacking food in our warehouse; planting, harvesting, or weeding at our farm; assisting with office tasks; and serving on fundraising committees to raise money for the Food Bank. We make volunteering fun. To learn about volunteer opportunities, visit our website at www.regionalfoodbank.net or give us a call at 786-3691.

Q: Tell us why it would be fun to attend your fundraiser and silent auction in November?

A: Our Annual Auction will be held on November 8 starting at 6:30 PM at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs. It is a fabulous event. A cocktail reception and Silent Auction viewing will be followed by a wonderful dinner and exciting Live Auction. We will have around 100 Silent Auction items and 15 items in the Live Auction. Tickets are $100 for the event. We expect over 400 guests, so anyone attending will join a lively crowd, enjoy a great meal, and have a chance to win bids on some great, one-of-a-kind packages. It’s a great way for people to get an early start on their holiday shopping. Best of all, all the proceeds from the event benefit the Regional Food Bank and the hungry people we serve. The Auction raised over $100,000 for the Food Bank last year. We hope some WGNA listeners will join us on November 8. To buy tickets click here or give us a call at 786-3691.