City of Albany schools gives free meals during summer food program

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The City School District of Albany is giving out free summer meals weekly for kids at eight district buildings through their Summer Weekend Food Service Program. This program has been going on for five years and is aimed at combating child hunger in the City of Albany.

On Wednesdays this summer, volunteers, administrators, and community organizations come together at the schools in the district to collect, package, and deliver food to families in need. Nearly six tons of food are given out to 435 families in the district, and it’s all thanks to the school administrators, the Regional Food Bank, and the Albany Fund for Education. 

"For a lot of our families this is also maybe they’re trying to decide whether to buy some groceries or to pay the electric bill so having this additional food helps take that choice off the table," Mari Shopsis, Executive Director of Albany Fund for Education.

Michael-Aaron Poindexter, the Chief Officer at the Regional Food Bank, said the lines at food pantries in Albany are nearly 33 percent higher than in other cities in the region. Poindexter said the need for food is growing. However, with this Summer Weekend Food Program, fresh food is being packaged and delivered weekly for kids. 

“Albany county, specifically the City of Albany has seen a dramatic increase in food insecurity, people who need food or do not have access to nutritious food," Poindexter said.

The Regional Food Bank provides the breakfast and lunch food for the program, and the Albany Fund for Education coordinates the organizations and oversees the program. By working together, the program can provide both perishable and non-perishable food weekly, as well as hygiene products.

Items Provided:

• Milk card
• Rice Krispies
• Blueberry Muffin Mix
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Mac n' Cheese
• Herbed Chix Pouch
• Canned Mandarins
• Saltines
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Yogurt
• Fresh produce
• Freihofer's bread and sweets

According to City School District of Albany Director of Communications and Operations Ron Lesko, local restaurants and organizations all pitch in to make this program possible.

“All the food you see here comes to us from the Regional Food Bank. Hattie’s also participates, Bimbo Bakeries in Albany donates food that goes home to our families, so it really is a terrific community partnership," Lesko said.

The program was made possible by a grant given during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program ends during the end of August and directors are looking for more volunteers to assist in food packing and delivery.