According to a report from the State Department of Health, one in four adults in New York is experiencing food insecurity. This Thanksgiving, food banks and organizations are on a mission to feed New Yorkers in need. 

What You Need To Know

  • One in four adults in New York face food insecurity 
  • The Regional Food Bank is distributing 150,000 meals 
  • Eight locations are serving 30,000 people
  • Equinox ended its annual community dinner, creating a gap
  • Volunteers are crucial to the operation's success 

Across six counties, assembly lines of volunteers form to help pack groceries for families.

“This place is awesome, helping out the people that need it,” said James Delair, a food bank recipient. “You can’t ask for better people than these guys right here.”

With eight locations in operation, the Regional Food Bank is providing 150,000 meals to 30,000 people.

“It’s a massive amount of food,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank. “Overall, sadly, every site is going to be oversubscribed. We just got to make sure that after Thanksgiving, we’re still out in the community.”

In Oct. 2023, Equinox, a domestic violence outreach service, announced the end of its annual Thanksgiving community dinner. The Regional Food Bank is now filling this significant gap.

“We just try to do our part to make sure that everybody can have a Thanksgiving meal served with love and dignity,” said Dominick Purnomo, chef coordinator and board member.

For many families, this support means creating memories and celebrating the holiday at home.

“I was going to go to my mom’s,” said recipient Kimberly Palmer. “But I really wanted it to just be me and my small family.”

As Thanksgiving approaches, recipients reflect on gratitude’s true meaning.

“It’s Thanksgiving,” said Cheryl Atherley. “Most people forget to give thanks at the table.”

The Regional Food Bank’s efforts remind us all of the importance of community and compassion. For those interested in helping or donating to their local food bank, visit health.ny.gov.