One million pounds of food delivered

One million of anything is a lot.

One million pounds of food is staggering and sobering all at once.

With 24 tons of food delivered at a food distribution site on Aug. 21, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany reached an unprecedented landmark by distributing more than one million pounds of food this year. The number of people served since the COVID-19 crisis crossed a staggering 50,000.

The Aug. 21 event was a collaboration between Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Centro Civico, who teamed up for a drive-through and walk-up food pantry in Albany’s South End.
“Nobody wants to look around and see 50,000 people in need, but we’re glad the Catholic Church and the Regional Food Bank can team up with our local partners to help meet a tremendous need in our community,” said Sr. Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ, Catholic Charities’ Director of Community Partnerships.

As the COVID-19 crisis stretches into late summer, residents in the Capital Region continue to grapple with hunger and financial insecurity. In response to an increased need for food in the community, Catholic Charities has partnered with the Regional Food Bank and other community organizations to coordinate drive-thru food distributions throughout the 14-county Diocese.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Vincent W. Colonno, CEO of Catholic Charities said, “but to be in a position to help, I consider that a blessing. I’m proud of our staff and the work they’re doing to feed our neighbors. Needless to say, we are doing everything in our power to assist those in need especially during this awful pandemic.”?

The food distribution, or “drive-thru pantry” is a part of Catholic Charities’ mobile outreach initiative, CC MOVE, and is an effort to provide supplemental and emergency food in areas with limited access to services at a time when many are struggling.

Catholic Charities has four additional food distributions scheduled:

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. at Hoosick Falls H.S., 21187 New York 22, Hoosick Falls 

Thursday, Aug. 27, 9:30 a.m. at 833 Broadway in Albany 

Monday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m. at the Columbia County FairGrounds, 182 Hudson Ave in Chatham

Tuesday, Sept. 1, 9:30 a.m. at Centro Civico, 143 E Main St in Amsterdam

For more information, visit ccrcda.org/events.