Hannaford gives $125K to area food bank
GREENISLAND, N.Y. » A food bank received a six-figure donation this week from Hannaford Supermarkets.
A $125,000 donation was presented to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York on Wednesday during a press conference at the Heatly School in Green Island.
The donation was given by Hannaford as part of its commitment to hunger relief.
“Hannaford has been successful in substantially increasing our donations of fresh food to local food pantries,” said Mike Vail, president of Hannaford Supermarkets, in a press release. “This support builds on that work and addresses a critical need that our community partners understand well. Many families with children are stressed in meeting basic needs, including the essential need for nutritious food.”
Wednesday’s event was held at the Green Island school because students there will benefit from the funds through the BackPack Program, which provides students in need with a backpack stocked with nutritious food ahead of weekends and school breaks, like the one beginning later this week.
Heatly School will receive $15,000 of the money Hannaford donated, allowing it to continue serving students with the Back-
Pack Program through the 2022-23 academic year.
“The impact on students here is phenomenal,” Superintendent of Green Island Union Free School District superintendent Dr. Teresa Thayer Snyder said during the press conference, noting that the sustenance provided through the Back-
Pack Program creates opportunity for the children.
The recent donation to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is one component of a $500,000 commitment by Hannaford to child nutrition throughout New York and New England. Half of those dollars are being raised through the new Hannaford Chef’s Table program, with a financial match of $250,000 from Hannaford.
The Chef’s Table is a partnership between Hannaford and four local chefs who maintain the same passion for building community and helping home cooks make fresh, affordable meals, a press release explained. The program features affordable recipes using quality and fresh ingredients created by the participating chefs in local Hannaford stores. Shoppers who purchase at least three participating products will trigger a $2 donation from Hannaford to child nutrition efforts, with a guaranteed commitment of $250,000 from Hannaford.
The Capital Region-based participating chef is Ric Orlando, owner of New World Bistro Bar in Albany. Orlando, a longtime supporter of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, will be featured in Hannaford stores this summer with a focus on seasonal grilling recipes.