The Albany County Legislative Black Caucus’ third annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Food Drive had its most successful year yet, with over a half-ton of food and $900 in monetary donations collected for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY.
The MLK Food Drive is held annually to honor the legacy of Dr. King, who not only fought for civil rights but also called for service to fight hunger in the community. With food insecurity at an all-time high this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food Bank saw their supplies quickly depleting as they continued to help those in need.
The Legislative Black Caucus, along with Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy and Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce, and in partnership with Stewart’s Shops, held two drive-through donation events on February 11 and collected 1,174 pounds of non-perishable items for the Regional Food Bank. The event also raised $900 and with every $1, the Food Bank can distribute the equivalent of four meals.
“The annual MLK Food Drive took on a whole new meaning for the Legislative Black Caucus this year as we personally saw how communities in Albany County, especially minority communities, were being impacted by the pandemic, leaving some households struggling to put food on the table. If Dr. King were alive today, he would applaud the collaborative effort that was undertaken to answer the calls for help. The Legislative Black Caucus thanks everyone who participated and came out to donate,” Legislative Black Caucus Chairman William Clay said.
“On behalf of the members and staff of the Albany County Legislature, we want to thank everyone who donated to the food drive this year. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s spirit of service and charity, and fight against poverty and inequality truly lives on in the people of Albany County. Now more than ever, we need to do what we can, when we can, to help those who may need a hand up during one of the most difficult periods in our lifetime,” said Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce. “I’d especially like to thank my staff, and the Legislative Black Caucus staff, for coordinating and executing such a successful and meaningful effort.”
“We are so pleased with the community response to help others after the amount of donated food and supplies tripled last year’s efforts. Now more than ever we need to be standing in unity and providing assistance to our neighbors so we all get through this tough time,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is a non-profit that helps distribute food to charitable agencies serving hungry and disadvantaged people in 23 counties in New York. The Food Bank provides over 40 million pounds of food a year to 1,000 agencies.
