The Food Pantries January 2026 Newsletter:

A Monthly Helping

As we start a new year, we want to thank our incredible coalition of food pantries and all the supporters who make our work possible. Every dollar donated, pound of food dropped off, and hour volunteered helps us alleviate hunger in the Capital District. As we continue to work towards a future where no one faces hunger, let's remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr.:

"Why should there be hunger and deprivation in any land, in any city, at any table, when man has the resources and the scientific know-how to provide all mankind with the basic necessities of life?"

34th Annual People's State of the State

Elected officials, food pantry representatives, and anti-hunger advocates gathered in Albany on Monday, January 12 for the 34th Annual People's State of the State demanding NYS and Governor Hochul provide the funding necessary for food pantries and other emergency food providers to meet the increased need in our communities and across the state.

Follow this link to learn more and to see photos/video from the event.

Thank You and Fond Farewell to Kathy Marco!

The Food Pantries sends a fond farewell and thank you to Kathy Marco as she takes the next steps in her career path.

Kathy joined The Food Pantries in 2017 as our Community Engagement Manager and has been our Business Operations Manager for the last four years. Known for her warmth, generosity, patience, and problem solving abilities, Kathy is lovingly referred to as the "Office Oracle." Kathy's modernization of The Food Pantries' internal operations have made a major impact on our staff, member pantries, and community/business partners.

Thank you Kathy for your time and contributions to our organization and our coalition of 76 food pantries. We know you will continue to do great work in your next chapter and we're excited to see you as a guest at our Harvest Evening Celebration in October!

End of Year Updates

Thank you to all who donated to our Year End Fundraising Campaign, and a very special thank you again this year to Kevin Cleary of Kevin Cleary Government Relations for the generous $15,000 match. Thanks to Kevin and all of you for supporting local food pantries and community members!

Our 3nd Annual Fill the Truck Challenge has come to an end! Thank you and congratulations to our winners WISER at REGN and KPMG! Thank you to all of the other participating teams: Florencia's Birthday Fundraiser, The Food Pantries Board, The Hot Yoga Spot, The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Samaritan Hospital ICU, DASNY Retirees and Friends, Miss Sydney's Secret Family Recipes, & Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital. All together we raised nearly $13,000, enough to fill more than 8 trucks and provide over 80,500 pounds of food to local pantries! A reminder that the winners will be featured on Giuliana Bruno's morning show on ABC News 10 on 9am on Friday, January 30.

Our Annual Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser at The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza was another big success thanks to the 70+ volunteers who donated their time and wrapping skills. We raised over $6,500 this year! Thanks so much to The Book House for being such a great partner and host. Special shout out to Clare Carroll for taking on more than 15 wrapping shifts, and to Pat Glennon and the Women's Club of Albany for organizing several full day takeovers by WCA members!

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.

Get Involved - Upcoming Events and Campaigns

Registration for Hunger Heroes 2026 is officially OPEN!

Join us as we kick off Capital Region CANstruction—rally your friends and family to take part in this impactful food and fund drive. Together, we can strengthen our CANstruction world ranking while making a meaningful difference right here in our local community.

More info and sign up here!

Ready to compete?? Bring non-perishable foods/supplies to the Mayor's Cup at MVP Arena on Saturday, January 24th as RPI and Union fans will "face-off" in a competition to see which fan base will donate the most items to The Food Pantries! Donations will be collected in advance of the women's hockey game at 3pm. The winner will be announced during the 6pm men's hockey game.

More info and Tickets here!

Join us at the Lark Street Tavern (453 Madison Ave, Albany) on Saturday, February 7 at 7pm for a comedy show benefiting The Food Pantries. Enjoy laughs provided by more than 15 local comedians at a great local venue and support local pantries! Keep an eye out on our socials for info on the lineup.

Purchase advanced tickets via suggested $20 donation here

Save the Date for our Annual Coffee & CommuniTea Event -

Thursday, April 23 - 7:30-9:30am

Save the date for our annual volunteer and community partner recognition breakfast. We'll be gathering again at the Shaker Ridge Country Club for what is always a morning of inspiration and gratitude. We hope to see you there!

In the News

12/10 - WMHT's New York NOW - Food Insecurity in NY



12/22 - PBS/WCNY's CONNECT NY - Food Insecurity

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!