Albany food drive collects thousands of meals, supplies for those in need

ALBANY, N.Y. — The 18th Annual Neighborhood Food & Fund Drive at the Regional Food Bank in Albany has successfully gathered thousands of food and hygiene products across the Capital Region.

A total of 12,500 bags were distributed to the community, enabling 100 captains to collect food, hygiene products, and money. These items were then delivered to the Regional Food Bank, where volunteers unpacked and sorted them for distribution to those in need.

Arin Keutey, the Regional Food Bank’s manager of food industry partnerships, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in their collections. “We really try and think of getting in a lot of culturally inclusive foods as well. So different spices, different grains, different types of flours and seasonings. But really right now the need is greater than ever. So everything counts,” said Keutey.

The food bank anticipated collecting approximately 36,000 pounds of food, which would provide 30,000 meals for the community.