As Albany County residents face looming food insecurity during the ongoing federal shutdown, the Albany County Legislature is asking for neighbors to support one another through the Albany County Food Drive, which launched yesterday, October 28, and is led by County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
Items being collected include:
- Canned Goods (proteins, vegetables, soups)
- Dried beans, fruits, herbs
- Ground coffee
- Peanut Butter
- Diapers
- Baby formula
- Feminine hygiene products, deodorant, soap
- Shampoo, Shaving Cream, Toothpaste
- Aluminum foil
- Cleaning products
- Garbage bags
- Napkins, paper towels
Drop-off locations include:
- Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office Building – 112 State Street, Albany, NY
- Albany County Department of Social Services - 162 Washington Ave, Albany, NY
- Albany County Department of Health/Mental Health – 175 Green St, Albany, NY
- Albany County Department of Probation – 60 S Pearl St, Albany, NY
- Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center – 100 Heritage Ln, Albany, NY
- All Department of Public Works subdivision garages throughout Albany County
For direct questions about SNAP benefits in Albany County, call 518-447-7620 or go to albanycountyny.gov/departments/social-services
Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “Albany County is filled with resilient, compassionate, and empathic people. Thankfully, one of them is our County Executive who is leading this effort to serve our residents; to create a source of hope and relief while Washington’s Republican leaders bicker and withhold help from the vulnerable. We have already seen on the news how frustrated and frightened people are. This is an opportunity to express our warmth, our care, and our grace to our neighbors and continue to protest callous decisions made from afar. Beyond this food drive, I encourage residents to seek out other local organizations near their homes such as the United Way of the Greater Capital Region to help as well.”
Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “The dinner table is the heart and soul of so many homes in communities of color. To push back this fear of not having a next meal, please share what you can. Inaction is not an option in this moment.”
Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “Public service demands both moral and fiscal responsibility. Supporting this food drive is part of our broader commitment to sound stewardship, ensuring that the resources of Albany County and the generosity of its residents are used to meet real and immediate needs. At a time when federal uncertainty is creating hardship for too many, we are focused on doing what is right, what is responsible, and what will make a tangible difference for families across Albany County.”
Albany County Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman Carolyn McLaughlin said: “In times of uncertainty, community is one of our greatest sources of strength. It is imperative that we come together to help those in greatest need. I am grateful to have partners in government, such as the County Executive, who recognize the importance of uplifting our most vulnerable residents, and I am proud to support this food drive initiative. I urge everyone who is able to contribute to take part in this effort to help ensure no one in our community goes without basic necessities. This food drive meets an urgent need today, but we know that food insecurity is a challenge our communities face year-round. The Legislative Black Caucus will continue to prioritize these needs through our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive kicking off in January.”
Albany County Legislator, District 24; Chair of the Social Services Committee Ellen Rosano said: “Albany County does an excellent job providing services of all kinds to its people, but in this moment, we must take an extra step and provide the comfort our neighbors need to endure. This drive is another moment for all of us to not just speak out, but demonstrate that what we believe in and how much we believe in each other here in Albany County.”
Albany County Legislator, District 16 Maggie Alix said: “Doing the right thing is never wrong. This is an opportunity for all of us to do the right thing; an opportunity to demonstrate how strong our neighborhoods – like the ones in District 16 – really are; an opportunity to prove that we value dignity and comfort. Thank you to the County Executive and his team for giving us this opportunity to support those who need it most.”
Albany County Legislator, District 12 Danielle Gillespie said: “There is no superlative I can give that expresses how much I encourage everyone to participate in this. This is truly about protecting and providing for those struggling and our most vulnerable – children, the aging, and people with disabilities. As we continue to confront the repercussions of these decisions, I know the people of Albany County, and especially here in District 12, will respond with kindness and mercy for those who need it most right now. If you can’t participate in this drive, reach out to your local food banks. Everything helps.”
