The Hudson Valley food bank's new building has officially opened in Montgomery, Orange County. With food insecurity still a major challenge in the region, the new space has become a necessity.

The over 50,000-square-foot building will allow the food bank to double its staff and nearly quadruple food storage while reaching tens of thousands of more people. In the previous facility, the food bank shipped 20 million pounds of a food annually. 

It’s an expansion that’s sorely needed.

Regional Food Bank CEO Tom Nardacci said the need hasn’t slowed down since the 2020 pandemic. Last holiday season was the busiest quarter in the food bank’s history. They already serve 400 agency partners and feed 170,000 people a month throughout the Hudson Valley, Capital Region and North Country. 

“So we had a massive amount of need, it continues," he said. "The prices are still high, eggs are really high. It's just something that we're battling with. And people are just struggling to pay their bills, pay their rent, you know? This is something I want to make sure that we are accessible.”

Volunteers say they love the new setting and extra space they now have to sort through produce and make sure that those in need are getting the best possible food.

“I came from an inner city. I know what it's like to be on both sides – to need, I know what it's like to volunteer to give back," said volunteer coordinator Nicole Hill. "I am a single mother myself, so there are challenges that I face. This is a wonderful job. I work Monday through Friday. The hours are blessing.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can visit the food bank's website.