Even as the seasons change, the need for food support in our community remains constant.

This month, we bring you the latest updates from local pantries, ways to make an impact, and a look at how your support keeps our neighbors fed and cared for.

The Food Pantries for the Capital District

2025 coalition impact at a glance

While coalition food pantries saw a nearly 7% increase in service levels last year across the Capital District, Schenectady and Rensselaer County each had increases of 18.5%. These statistics reinforce what we see at pantries every day, that our community needs us now more than ever.

Our 2025 Coalition Impacts:

Upcoming Events

Celebrating Donna's Retirement

At the end of February, we said goodbye to a valued member of our team. Donna Comley, our Administrative Coordinator has been with our team for nearly 8 years. She retired during the final week of the month.

Donna played an important role in keeping the office running smoothly each day. She handled many of the day-to-day administrative tasks that helped the organization stay on track.

From managing office operations to making sure things were where they needed to be, Donna helped keep everything moving behind the scenes.

Her reliability and attention to detail made her an important part of the team, and her work helped ensure the office ran efficiently.

We are grateful for Donna’s time with the organization and the work she contributed over the years. Please join us in wishing her a happy and well-deserved retirement.

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Susi, one of the dedicated volunteers who helps bring our mission to life!

We asked Susi why she volunteers:

“My husband started volunteering with the Food Pantry in 2010. He encouraged me to help out at events. Over time, I realized how much I loved being even a small part of this organization. I’m inspired not only by the staff and fellow volunteers, but also by the clients I’ve met along the way. And selfishly, I’ve had the pleasure of being part of so many fun events like Capital Region Canstruction and Harvest Evening Celebration.

Something you might not know about her: In 2000, she applied to be on Survivor.

Thank you, Susi, for your years of dedication to the Food Pantries for the Capital District. We’re so grateful for all you do!

During February 2026, The Food Pantries for the Capital District received $151 through the Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program. Every time a shopper chooses a specially marked reusable bag at Hannaford, a portion of the purchase goes directly to support our work.

Since the program started, it has helped raise millions for local nonprofits, and your everyday choices, like picking a Fight Hunger Bag, directly contribute to keeping our pantries stocked and our neighbors fed. Small actions add up, and together, they make a real difference in our community.

For the rest of March, you can support us by picking up a bag at the Hannaford at 3 Via Rossi Way, Ballston Spa. And in April, you can do the same at the Hannaford at 43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake.

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

2/19 WHMT: Food Insecurity in NYS

2/23 Spectrum News: New SNAP changes could increase risk of homelessness

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

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!