August 2026

Reminders/Announcements


Register for This Years' Regional Partner Agency Conference!

It’s conference season and there is still time for partners to register for the remaining two regional conferences. Visit the links below to let us know you are coming! We look forward to seeing you there!

Events, Celebrations, Observances:


August

  • Back-to-School Month



September

  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Hunger Action Month
  • Labor Day - 7
  • Patriot Day - 11
  • Mohawk Valley Partner Agency Conference - 11
  • Rosh Hashana - 11–13
  • Central New York Partner Agency Conference - 19

Breaking Stigma

Through Belonging

When discussing food access barriers, we often hear about transportation issues, financial strain, or service times, but what if stigma poses just as much a barrier as those?


For some neighbors, stigma is often the reason that even the thought of visiting a food program feels intimidating, overwhelming, or embarrassing.


As a network, what would happen if we combated shame with dignified service experiences? How would neighbors’ visits and sense of value transform if we leaned into the power of belonging at distributions? One positive interaction can change a negative perception.


If you would like to learn more about the impacts of stigma at food programs, see our Helpful Resources section at the bottom of this mesage.

We're Here to Help!

Food Bank of Central New York's SNAP Outreach Team

Since its inception in October of 1995, our Food Bank’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Outreach Team has been helping neighbors access and retain resources they need to thrive.


“We are a resource to the community and want more people to know that we are truly here to help. We are right by their side through the entire process!”

Outreach Feature:

 Angela Smith

Senior Outreach Coordinator

Angela Smith has worked in the Human Services field for 26 years, including nine years with our organization.


“Advocating for and assisting those who are asking for help with a birth-given right to eat is my why.”

Collaborating for Change!

This summer we implemented our county-wide Community Food Security Survey in Herkimer County.

The goal of this survey was to understand neighbors' thoughts and perceptions about food access in their community. While the work is far from over, we want to take a moment to thank Herkimer County neighbors, partners, and community collaborators, along with Colgate University researcher, Allan Crounse, who helped make this effort possible.


At Food Bank, we understand that collaboration is where lasting, meaningful change happens. We look forward to continuing efforts across our region and are thankful to our partners and communities who are vital to extending our reach. 

Share your story with us for a chance to be featured on The Side Dish!

Neighbor Engagement & Experience

Research Article (4 min read)

Understanding stigma is a necessary step in addressing its hidden impacts on food access and neighbor experience. In this article, national research program, Healthy Eating Research (HER) offers data-backed insights about four types of stigmas that prevent neighbors from accessing available services. Click the link to learn more!

Capacity-Building Resource

Book Recommendation

For change-makers and world-shakers, Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries may be the perfect read for you! Author Katie S. Martin offers thought-provoking perspective and practical strategies for food bankers, program staff, and volunteers to address hunger with empathy, equity, and dignity at the forefront.

Wear Orange, Take A Picture, Send It In!

Hunger Action Month Photo Features

Partners, neighbors, and other community members are encouraged to submit photos wearing orange for a change to be featured on Food Bank social media for Hunger Action Day! The deadline for photos is September 25.

Contact Information

Sydney Quilty-Koval, Community Engagement Coordinator | (315) 437-1899 ext. 289

Thank you for reading The Side Dish! We’ll be back with more of ‘the good stuff’ soon!

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