The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is launching the largest single-day Thanksgiving meal distribution in New York State history — a first-of-its-kind effort that will reach families across the Hudson Valley.Working with community partners and more than 800 volunteers, the Regional Food Bank will provide over one hundred fifteen thousand Thanksgiving meals to more than twenty-five thousand people in Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Rockland, and Sullivan counties. The initiative is part of a broader statewide effort that will see more than 350,000 meals distributed in one day across the Food Bank’s 23-county service area.“This is the largest Thanksgiving distribution in the state,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank. “We know the need is greater than ever, especially with federal spending cuts this year that eliminated more than seven million pounds of food to our region — that’s more than 5.8 million meals.”Meeting a Growing NeedBarry Lewis, Senior Public Affairs Officer for the Regional Food Bank, spoke to Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo about the increasing demand for food assistance and how this year’s Thanksgiving program came together.“Last year, when we stepped in to help with Thanksgiving distribution in the Capital Region, we served 150,000 meals across six counties — and they went in just 90 minutes,” said Lewis. “That told us everything we needed to know about the demand. This year, we’re expanding across all 23 counties we serve, including the Hudson Valley and North Country.”The Hudson Valley distribution will take place on Friday, November 22, with the Sullivan County site located at the Government Center in Monticello. Cars can drive up beginning at 10 a.m., and volunteers will fill vehicles with bags weighing more than 30 pounds, including turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, potatoes, vegetables, and other holiday essentials.“It’s going to be more than one meal,” said Lewis. “We want to give families a real holiday experience — something to last beyond just Thanksgiving Day.”Open to All — No ID RequiredLewis emphasized that there are no eligibility requirements for those seeking meals. “If you need a meal, you drive up or walk up and you’ll get one,” he said. “We’re not checking IDs or asking for proof of income. We’re here to serve the community.”The Food Bank is also delivering Thanksgiving meals to a dozen senior housing sites throughout the Hudson Valley, including locations in Dutchess, Orange, and Putnam counties.As food prices, rent, and heating costs rise, Lewis said more working families and seniors are turning to food banks for the first time. “We’re seeing people who have jobs, who are working hard, but just can’t stretch their paychecks far enough,” he said. “They haven’t done anything wrong — life just got harder, and we’re here to fill that gap.”Volunteers and Community SupportThe Thanksgiving distribution relies heavily on volunteers and local sponsors. “We’d have to hire two dozen more full-time staff to do what our volunteers do,” said Lewis. “They’re critical to everything we do.”Residents who want to help can sign up for volunteer shifts at regionalfoodbank.net. Lewis noted that the Monticello event will be finished by noon, making it an ideal opportunity for families to volunteer together. “It’s a great way to show your kids how they can make a difference in their own community,” he said.Key sponsors of the Thanksgiving effort include Stop & Shop, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Price Chopper/Market 32, Highmark Blue Shield, ShopRite, Walden Savings Bank, and numerous local partners.How to Help or Receive a MealThe Sullivan County distribution takes place at the Government Center, 100 North Street, Monticello, beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 22. Additional Hudson Valley pickup sites include:Montgomery (Orange County): Regional Food Bank, 580 State Route 416Newburgh (Orange County): Mount Saint Mary College, 330 Powell AvenuePoughkeepsie (Dutchess County): Dutchess Community College, 53 Pendell RoadWoodstock (Ulster County): Good Neighbor Food Pantry, 16 Rock City RoadPomona (Rockland County): Clover Stadium, 1 Phil Tisi WayFor more information, to donate, or to volunteer, visit regionalfoodbank.net

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