April was dedicated to recognizing the people who make our work possible. Volunteers are the backbone of our coalition, showing up consistently and making a meaningful difference across the Capital District.

Their impact goes far beyond the time they give. Volunteers help create a sense of community, connection, and support that strengthens everything we do. Because of their commitment, we are able to reach more neighbors and continue growing our impact.

Whether you’ve been involved for years or are considering getting started, this month was an opportunity to recognize just how much volunteers matter.

A Special Thank You to Our Volunteers and Community Partners!

CEO Natasha Pernicka Presents Carrie Hoffman and the Hoffman Car Wash team with the Outstanding Community Partner Award

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 5th annual Coffee & CommuniTEA volunteer and community partner recognition event. Your time, energy, and commitment make our work possible. We don't say it enough, but it's true: none of what we do would happen without you. Together, we can do more than any one of us could alone.

This year's awardees were:

Outstanding Community Partner - Hoffman Car Wash

Dinnie Shanley Award - Schenectady County Food Council

Sister Mary Coons Award - Jane Sanders

Albany County Volunteer of the Year - Joseph Di Stefano, St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center

Rensselaer County Volunteer of the Year - Lynne Teker, Hoosick Area Church Association

Saratoga County Volunteer of the Year - Gigi Andres, CAPTAIN CHS Karyl's Kupboard

Schenectady County Volunteer of the Year - Lisa Marie Palermo, Bethel Northside Food Pantry

The Food Pantries Volunteer of the Year - Jackie Crawford

We’re grateful to all of our volunteers, partners, and supporters, and we’re looking forward to continuing this work together. Special thank you to CDPHP for sponsoring, to Price Chopper/Market 32 for providing the lovely flowers, and to WTEN's Vanessa Blasi for emceeing.

Check out the beautiful photos of the event taken by Kerensa Rybak Photography and learn more about our awardees here: https://thefoodpantries.org/coffee-communitea-2/

Upcoming Events

Now through May 10th - 15th Annual Capital Region CANstruction - Crossgates Mall

This year’s theme, The Great AmeriCAN Road Trip, celebrates America’s 250th birthday through creative, large-scale sculptures built entirely from non-perishable food.

Teams of architects, engineers, and designers from across the Capital Region transformed everyday food items into impressive structures inspired by iconic American landmarks and road trip culture.

All sculptures are built using non-perishable food items, which are then donated to The Food Pantries for the Capital District after the exhibit concludes. This directly supports local families facing food insecurity. Over the last 15 years, Capital Region CANstruction has donated over 1 million pounds of food and nearly $475,000 to The Food Pantries.

Don't forget to bring non-perishable items to drop off to vote for your favorite designs!

Learn more about CANstruction and check out pictures of the amazing designs here: https://www.capregcans.com/

Wednesday, May 20th 5pm - 3rd Annual Assembly Charity Softball Game - HVCC Softball Field (behind Joe Bruno Stadium)

Join us for what is becoming one of our favorite events as the NYS Assembly Republicans and Democrats face off in a spirited but friendly charity softball game in support of local food pantries.

This is a unique opportunity to see politicians from across the state competing on the softball diamond for a great cause.

Suggested donation of $15. More information, including sponsorship opportunities is here: https://thefoodpantries.org/news-nys-assembly-charity-softball-game-to-benefit-the-food-pantries-for-the-capital-district/

Tuesday, June 16 - New York State Food Summit - Albany Capital Center & Virtual

The NYS Food Summit is a biennial event organized by The Alliance for a Hunger Free New York, The Food Pantries for the Capital District, and the NYS Food as Medicine Coalition. The event is designed to bring together food assistance providers, academics, advocates, and stakeholders across New York. The all-day, symposium-style event aims to educate and share best practices, research, and innovations in hunger relief and nutrition security efforts.

We hope to see everyone in person, but are also offering a robust virtual option. More info on the program/agenda and virtual details will be released soon.

Learn more about the 2026 NYS Food Summit here: https://www.alliancehungerfreeny.org/nys-food-summit-2026

Staff Spotlight

We’re excited to welcome Leah, our newest team member, as our Office Administrator!

A fun fact about Leah, she loves the video game Animal Crossing.

Leah is passionate about our mission and believes everyone deserves access to nutritious food and to be treated with dignity no matter the circumstances.

We’re so glad to have her on our team!

Volunteer Opportunities

Ready to get involved? Contact our Outreach & Engagement Manager, Curtis LeClair, via email at cleclair@thefoodpantries.org.

Share Your Story

We love hearing from you! If a pantry has made a difference for you, your family, or someone you know, send us a short story or quote. We’ll feature a few in next month’s newsletter so everyone can see the impact of our community working together.

In the News

3/4: WCNY's The Capitol Pressroom: Federal changes drive demand for NY food support

3/9: Times Union: Get a Free Hoffman's Carwash with Food Donation this Weekend

4/27: WTEN News 10: ‘CANstruction’ kicks off at Crossgates Mall to help fight hunger

We greatly appreciate your support and participation in our work to end hunger in the Capital District. Please visit our website - thefoodpantries.org - to learn more about volunteering, donating, or hosting a food drive to benefit The Food Pantries.

Together we can do more than any one of us alone!

Donate Today!